Every Thanksgiving, people talk about gratitude like it’s this calm, cozy feeling. But lately, mine feels a little more… chaotic. I’m grateful, yes. But also exhausted. Like, “please pass the mashed potatoes and a nap” exhausted.

Senior year gratitude hits different. It’s less about pumpkin pie and more about surviving deadlines, applications, and the slow realization that high school is actually ending.

So, in the spirit of honesty, here’s my senior year gratitude list. The tired edition.

Coffee (Obviously)

If you’ve read literally anything I’ve ever written, you knew this was coming. Coffee has carried me through early mornings, late-night writing, and the very real internal debate of “one more cup won’t hurt.”

Special shoutout to the baristas who have seen me half-awake, whispering my order like it’s a personal emergency.

Teachers Who Actually Get It

The teachers who don’t treat burnout like a character flaw. The ones who say “take care of yourself” and mean it. The ones who understand that learning still matters, but so does being human.

Those moments of grace stick more than they probably realize.

Friends Who Are Equally Delusional

Senior year friendships are built on chaos. Editing each other’s essays at ungodly hours, complaining about how tired we are while still doing the most, and pretending the future isn’t slightly terrifying.

I’m thankful for the people who make even the stressful moments feel lighter just by being there.

The Small Joys

Sunrises on the way to school. Driving with the windows down after a long week. Random wins that feel bigger than they probably are. Inside jokes that make no sense to anyone else.

These are the things that make the exhaustion worth it.

Parents Who Pretend Not to Notice the Chaos

They see the late nights, the stress spirals, the constant multitasking. And somehow they still show up with snacks, encouragement, and a quiet kind of support that doesn’t ask for explanations.

That kind of steady presence matters more than any pep talk.

My Brain

This one sounds strange, but hear me out. I’m thankful for my brain. Even when it overthinks, procrastinates, or freezes under pressure, it still learns, creates, and keeps going.

Learning about neuroscience has made me appreciate how wild it is that this organ handles stress and dreams at the same time. So yes—thank you, brain.

The Pause

Senior year feels like a pause between what was and what’s next. Everything is moving fast, but there are moments where you realize how meaningful this season is, even in the exhaustion.

I’m tired. But I’m also grateful—for the people, the routines, the late nights, the small wins, and the feeling that this messy year is leading somewhere good.

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for all of it. The chaos included.

Because gratitude doesn’t always look peaceful. Sometimes it just looks like noticing what’s still good while running on fumes.