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By Claire Reinthaler

For the Clemmons Courier

With November all but over, it’s getting to that time of year again: the time of piles of work and tests to try and squeeze everything in in the last few weeks before winter break. It can certainly be a stressful time, but with Thanksgiving only a few hours away, it’s also important to remember that there’s so much to be thankful for.

For me, as I know it is for many other people as well, it is very easy to get caught up in the tide of a busy life and only see the negatives.

Throughout my years at West, I certainly haven’t had the easiest time. I moved here in the fall of 2020, and, along with the rest of my class, the pandemic stole my freshman year. When sophomore year hit, I still had only ever talked to one person from West face-to-face; it was daunting starting like that at a school where almost everybody already knew somebody. Even when I got to my junior year, there was still a part of me that felt like I hadn’t quite integrated into the Titan community.

This year, however, while there are still, of course, some instances of people being rude or unfriendly, has already been the best year of my high school career. In the past few months alone, I’ve gotten to know so many new people, whether it be through classes, clubs or work, all of whom are just so incredibly kind and have welcomed me into their groups with open arms. Shoutout to all of you: you know who you are.

My friends, both new and old, are some of the many things I’m thinking about this year as Thanksgiving rolls around. I’m truly a people person; having close friends who I can rely on is a vital part of who I am, and I’m so thankful to have all of mine.

I could really go on forever about every little thing I’m grateful for this year, but this isn’t all about me. I called up some favors and decided to turn it over to a couple of other West seniors, also hoping to share what they’re thankful for.

“I’m thankful for all the offers I’ve gotten from colleges so far and that either way, I’m going to have a wonderful future,” Madds Whisenant said. “I’m also grateful for all the kids I’ve gotten to work with, both the ones I give swim lessons to and the ones I get to help teach at Southwest (Elementary). They’ve impacted me so much positively.”

AJ Summers added, “I’m thankful for all of my friends and family across the globe as well as for all of the places I have been able to visit.”

Everyone always has something they’re grateful for; what’s wonderful about this time of year is that we get the time and space to celebrate it.