With the upcoming 2016 presidential election and the aftermath of Hurricane Mathew dominating recent headlines, it can sometimes be disheartening to read or watch the news. With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, however, let’s visit five recent events that are worth being thankful for.

Canada Likes the United States…a Lot!

Perhaps one of the coolest headlining events recently was the Twitter campaign that took Americans by surprise. Using the hashtag #TellAmericaItsGreat, Canadians took to the platform to say how much they appreciate the United States and offer uplifting words of encouragement. Some of the most touching tweets include “Your arts & culture, your optimism & hope, your diversity & ideas – all brilliant,” “Don’t let anyone tell you you aren’t great,” and “Your declaration of independence is one of the most beautiful documents ever written.” Anyone paying attention to trending hashtags undoubtedly saw this campaign, making it a fantastic reason to sit back, reflect, and give thanks for the amazing opportunity to live in America.

Wedding Party Gives Shelter Pups a Fantastic Day

There are few events more eagerly awaited than weddings and even fewer things cuter than puppies. Recently, a couple decided to mix the two for one unforgettable day. Instead of using flowers in their wedding photos, Sarah and Matt Crain opted to use adorable Boxer-Coonhound puppies from the rescue and rehabilitation center, Pitties Love Peace. Not only did this make for cute pictures, but it highlighted a great cause. It’s also a great reminder to be thankful for the animals in your life; make sure to give your own pet a big hug to show your appreciation for their unconditional love.

Hero Cop Saves Newborn Baby and is Named her Godfather

In September, veteran police officer Kenneth Knox was dispatched to a 911 call in response to a newborn baby choking on a piece of cereal. The child, Ma’Yavi, was “fading fast,” according to Knox. He quickly administered reverse CPR and was able to suck the cereal out of her mouth. To show their appreciation, Ma’Yavi’s parents asked that Knox be named the baby’s godfather. With all the negative press surrounding police officers lately, it’s more important than ever to remember and be thankful for these brave men and women who save lives.

Kids Beating Cancer Ring Their Bell

Cancer is an extremely difficult disease for individuals and their families. It’s even harder when it’s children who are diagnosed. The Aflac Cancer Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta helps patients deal with the disease, as well as celebrate overcoming it. The center established an “end-of-treatment bell” for patients to ring after the completion of their chemo treatments. Watch this video as children of all ages celebrate this incredibly emotional milestone and be thankful for their continued fight against cancer.

Winning Soccer Team Consoles Opposing Team After Loss

In a recent championship soccer match, Barcelona’s under-12 team won a hard-fought game against a Japanese club team. Losing is never easier, but it quickly became apparent that the Japanese team was taking it exceptionally hard. Barcelona’s team was deeply moved and took it upon themselves to comfort and console their opposition. They shared handshakes, hugs, and words of encouragement. Watch these short clips from after the game and see first-hand the compassion that lives inside of each and every one of us.

While popular media often bombards us with negativity, there are actually so many examples of true goodness in our world too. As we enter this holiday season, take a moment to consider the good in your life and the lives of your loved ones. Hug your family, spend an extra minute with your friends, and be thankful for humankind’s capacity to love.

---

Contributed by Amanda Vosloh Bowyer

Thinking about joining the Peace Corps? It’s a big decision, especially because the typical assignment lasts two years. Becoming a Peace Corps volunteer is no walk in the park; it takes months of careful training, years of hard work, and an unwavering determination to make the world a better place. Many people think they have a clear understanding of what the Peace Corps is all about, but before you decide whether the program is or is not for you, make sure you dig a little deeper. Here are five lesser-known facts you may not have known about the Peace Corps to get you started.

Most Positions Require a College Degree

Many young people expect that they can join right after high school, but most Peace Corps volunteer opportunities require applicants to have at least a four-year degree. There is, however, no age limit for participating. In fact, over 50% of volunteers in 2016 are over the age of 50. If you’re older and opted to join the workforce right out of high school, you may still have some options. The Peace Corps does offer a limited number of opportunities to people with job experience and relative education. If this sounds like you, speak with a recruiter to find out if you might be a good fit for an available position.

You Can Serve With Your Spouse or Partner

If you and your partner are interested in joining the Peace Corps together, you can! It might, however, take longer to find appropriate placements and, or process through your applications. You and your partner will need to find positions in the same country that fit both of your skills and then submit your applications at the same time. While placements might be more limited, it’s definitely possible to serve together.

Training Doesn’t End When You Leave the U.S.

Every Peace Corps volunteer is required to go through three months of training before starting their two-year placement, but education doesn’t just stop when you get on the plane. In fact, you’ll be working toward various competencies throughout the entire placement. You should expect extensive community integration, cross-cultural, and language preparation, as well as technical, health, and safety training to be part of your entire Peace Corps experience.

Your Medical Expenses Are Covered

Because placement environments can sometimes be harsh, Peace Corps volunteers are provided full health-care coverage while part of the program. This care ranges from immunizations to med-evac back to the United States. While series medical problems are few and far between, it’s good to know you’re covered in case of an emergency. There are also Peace Corps medical officers available 24-7 to volunteers.

There Are Numerous Financial Benefits for Joining

There are several financial benefits to joining the Peace Corps and they start the moment you apply. You don’t pay to submit your application and, if accepted, all travel, housing, dental, medical, and living expenses are covered for the duration of your service. That’s a very impressive package. Further, while volunteers do not get paid for their services, the Peace Corps does provide $8000 to those who complete their two-year placement. The money is intended to assist you transitioning back into life in the United States after being gone so long, but can be used however you like. Another great perk is the opportunity for discounted tuition rates at select universities for those interested in pursuing a graduate degree.

---

Contributed by Amanda Vosloh Bowyer

For some, summer is right around the corner and for others it has already begun. It’s a time to have fun with friends, relax, and do the other of millions of things already planned. While you might be in summer school, going on a family vacation, or working, there is still time to go overseas and travel. GLA’s ten-day program is perfect for busy students like you and here’s why!

1. Adventure

We all have a bit of curiosity to see the world and travel into the unknown. This short trip is just long enough to give a taste of what traveling is and where you might want to go next when you have more time.

2. Life Skills

In those ten days you’ll gain a variety of skills that are helpful in everyday life. From working with others, to leadership, and problem solving – to embracing fears of heights, public speaking, or bugs – you’ll learn a lot!

3. Environment

While abroad you’ll learn about other cultures and how other people live. You’ll also learn how to be sustainable in day-to-day life, not only in that country but also here at home. These are skills that can be applied to daily life.

4. Join a community

In the time spent in this new country, you’ll not only immerse yourself in a new culture, but you’ll also become part of the community. You’ll make connections with the locals – feel like part of their family. You may even want to go back!

5. New Interests

As you go abroad, you’ll find passions you never knew you had. It could be a sport like soccer or perhaps a future career choice like becoming a doctor or an environmentalist. In the short time spent, you’ll learn what you really like and what you don’t.

6. Lifelong Friendships

Even though you’re only on the trip for ten days, the people you go with will become your life long friends. You’ll be spending time with students just like you, but from all over. They’ll quickly turn into your best friends on the trip and those you can grow old and grey with.

7. Independence

This is a time where you’re on your own with a chance to learn about yourself and how you work with others. Traveling to a new country for ten days gives you just the right amount of freedom without feeling homesick. It’s a great next step towards adulthood.

8. Resume/College Apps

As cliché as it sounds, you’re in high school, soon to be thinking of college or applying for jobs and putting a trip like this on your resume is sure to make you stand out!

9. Bucket List

It may sound silly, but we all have a bucket list, whether it’s written down on paper, in our iPhones, or just thought of. Traveling, zip-lining, inner tubing down a river, or snorkeling are most likely somewhere on the list, so why not do them now you have the chance. All that is needed is ten days. Ten days out of summer (or your vacation break if your school goes year round). Now that’s doable.

10. Memories

Yes it’s a short trip, but the memories made on it will last forever. Whether it’s simply remembering the experience or looking at the photos you’ve taken, those ten days will be something you’ll never forget.

---

Contributed by Samantha Watkins

When a senior graduates from high school, it is the start of a new life. The ending of high school is shared with tears of joy and tears of sadness. The joy is formulated by the realization of completing the journey of semi-adulthood. While in high school, a student is responsible for committing, regardless of their feelings. However, once the high school diploma is in their hands, it is exactly in their hands. The future of the high school student is right in front of their faces and it is a joyous feeling.

After high school, a student will pack up, leave, and move into a dorm with another person or rent am apartment with five other roommates, right? Somewhat. There are other ways to have a life before attending college, and that can taking a break. One may be confused about which direction to take in college, and another may not be financially stable. These reasons are more common than you might think, and it can detour many plans, and offset goals that most students have after graduating from high school.

The ones that graduates confused may already be in the mindset that they have failed in some big type of way. In this case it us untrue. Taking a year off before starting college because of being unsure can be smart in a way, if thought out, worked on with parents or other close advocates who want you to be successful in the future.

School can be tiresome for those not best designed to spend a lot of time in classrooms sitting still, and taking a break can be a great way to energize oneself to become more focused. The process of being in school takse twelve-plus years, and in those twelve-plus years, a student is required to learn something new every single day, and each year it gets harder and harder. When the time comes to choose whether you want to go to college right away, or perhaps take a semester or year off (like many students in Australia do), get the advice of those you trust. Make a plan, and set a goal about when to return for your education, so you don’t lose track. Getting a job or volunteering at a local hospital or senior citizens’ home to build up your skill sets and experience until going back to school might even light that spark, and get you back in the frame of mind for learning.

---

Contributed by Tyler Dickerson