This column shares 20 lighthearted things I am thankful for this year that make my life action-packed rather than a comatose snoozefest.
- Friends and family.Thank you for your unwavering support and joy.
- Gel Pentel 0.7 mm pens. As someone left-handed, these pens have changed my life.
- Eight seasons of Suits. What a masterpiece. Suits is one of the most entertaining TV shows I have watched in a very long time.
- Model United Nations. Thank you for giving me friends from the circuit, long-lasting memories and teaching me about global affairs.
- Expelling Rep. George Santos. He belongs in House of Cards. I am glad his 331 days in Congress have come to an end.
- Dutch apple pie. This undoubtedly is the best version of pie. The topping of Dutch Apple pies is unlike any other. I hope all pies add a Dutch topping.
- All things apple spice. Pumpkin is overrated. This year, I had Caramel Apple Spice for the first time and it was one of the best decisions of my life.
- Wired headphones. While stylish and efficient, wired headphones are one of the most comfortable options for headphones. Plus, you do not need to charge them.
- TSA PreCheck. Thank you for helping me make it on time for my flights and giving me a smooth Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport experience.
- Sweetgreen. Thank you for making salads appealing and worth eating. While the closest Sweetgreen near Notre Dame is over 80 miles away, I will get some soon. Do not worry!
- My fall 2023 professors. Thank you for making learning fun again.
- Russian opera and jazz. Thank you for letting me listen to peaceful and entertaining tunes while I study.
- Joe Biden’s dog Commander. He makes the White House more lively.
- The East (and best) Coast. No one can outdo the thirteen colonies' profound legacy and unparalleled culture.
- Anything green. What a lovely color, oh my.
- Movies with Timothée Chalamet. He just makes them 20 times better. His range is impeccable. Who else could do ”Willy Wonka” and also star in ”Little Women” and ”Lady Bird.”
- Views on campus. The transition from fall to winter is so gorgeous from my window.
- The Weeknd. I was in the top 0.01% of The Weeknd's Spotify listeners, so I might be biased, but he is our generation’s Michael Jackson.
- Spacious elevators. Europeans and Europe need more of them. We're so blessed here in the United States.
- Evian spring water. This is arguably the best bottled water on the market.
As 2023 ends, I am excited for 2024. It will be the first presidential election I will be eligible to vote in. Who will win? Will Biden win by a landslide? Will Trump finally be present for a Republican debate? Who knows? Only time will tell.
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
