If you’re a student, you know that it can often be so easy to get wrapped up in the stress of finals and papers that you almost forget that Thanksgiving is quickly approaching! Most college students have less than a month before the semester ends, which also means that they only have 30 more days until those late-night cram sessions and term papers are over.

It’s not difficult to see why students are particularly stressed out this time of year. However, Thanksgiving is a holiday where we can take some time away from classes, jobs, and schoolwork to really concentrate on what’s important. If you are having trouble seeing the silver lining on the cloud, we’ll help you get started! Here are some things that college students across the country are thankful for this holiday season:

1. Family and friends – yes, this might be the typical response, but it still rings true! Your family and friends are your closest and most reliable social network. While they can sometimes make us want to escape from home, our lives wouldn’t be the same without their invaluable support.

2. The opportunity to learn – school can definitely be stressful and time-consuming at times, but we have a tremendous opportunity to learn. Whether you enrolled in an online college or attend class on a campus, we have the privilege of learning whatever we want. This Thanksgiving, you can be thankful for the scholarships, professors, administrators that have helped you along the path to higher education!

3. A place to live – it doesn’t matter if you’re living in a 12×12 dorm room, your parents’ house, or have a place of your own. Heat and running water are things that we should always be thankful for, even if it goes unnoticed most of the time. Millions of people around the world don’t have the luxury of having a roof over their heads, so give thanks to the landlord!

4. The Internet – it might be a bit odd to give thanks for the Information Superhighway, but it actually has given us a whole lot more besides a wide variety of procrastination tools. The truth is that the Internet has made our lives so much easier. We can get instant homework help and keep in touch with distant family and friends, all while playing Farmville at the same time. Now THAT’S something to be thankful for!

So, while you’re wrapping up your pre-vacation schoolwork, remember the blessings you already have…and enjoy your turkey!