Your holiday lights have likely been on for months, but today really is just the first day of Thanksgiving week. In honor, we've asked students of Carrie Deahl at Alhambra High School in west Phoenix to tell us what they're grateful for.
Omar Bahor, an 11th-grader at Alhambra High School, enjoys playing basketball and hanging out with family and friends.
OMAR BAHOR: I am thankful for my lovely family. My sister, my mom and my dad. My family helps me get a good education and good health care. They supported me through my basketball games, even though I didn't play much.
They were on the stands, cheering me. When I stepped on the court during the third quarter, I saw my parents smiling at me. I knew when I saw those smiles, they were happy for me and proud that I'm playing my favorite sport.
They also supported me through my education. The reason why I'm here at school is because of my family. I couldn't do anything without my family. Every time I worry or stress about a test, they help me calm down. They tell me, “if you study for the test, then there's no point worrying about failing it.”
Back when I was in elementary school, I was recognized for having the best grades. I received a certificate and my parents supported me by attending the event in our school library. They told me, they were proud of me, and gave me big hugs as we celebrated eating muffins together.
I love my family with all my heart. I love the days when my family and I go out to eat because it brings us closer.
My sister, Morita, helps me so much with life, making sure I'm losing weight or telling me to push myself during my workout sets. My sister is the only person that really knows me, knows my style and knows my favorites.
She knows I love coffee. So sometimes she'll go and buy me Dunkin Donuts, which is one of my favorite coffee places.
My favorite memory is me going to the gym with my sister. It's cool and amazing seeing my sister lifting heavy weights, and she's also like my personal trainer.
Finally, my parents know everything about me. When I was a kid in elementary school, they helped me with my mental health.
At that age, I hated eating when other people were around because I got bullied for being fat. They would often tell me, “don't care about what other people think.” Eventually I became more comfortable with eating around others, and now I eat with others and not just by myself.
My family has taught me life lessons and most importantly how to love myself.
