With the start of November and Thanksgiving coming around we should take in account what we are thankful for and what we can do to be more thankful. Research shows that people who express gratitude frequently and write down what they are grateful for, are found to be happier and more satisfied with life. So how could you be more thankful?
In this article seven written facts by Amy Morin it is stated that “Gratitude opens the door to more relationships. Not only does saying “thank you” constitute good manners, but showing appreciation can help you win new friends, according to a 2014 study published in Emotion. The study found that thanking a new acquaintance makes them more likely to seek an ongoing relationship.” so by showing the smallest bit of gratitude you could potentially meet someone new.
Here are some words from your fellow royal students and teachers.
Senior Gustavo Dorado said, “I am really thankful for my parents, because they are the ones that keep me going everyday. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t know where I would be right now”,
Senior Alena Disli said, “I’m grateful for my parents, especially my dad for always pushing me to be a better person and always helping me to pursue my goals.”
“I’m grateful for the challenges that help me grow as a person.” senior Bradley Cekada exclaimed.
Senior Ashley Sorensen “ I am thankful for the beautiful nature that surrounds me. Living in a place as gorgeous as Santa Barbara, I feel privileged to be enveloped in such a lovely, peaceful environment.”
Teacher Mrs. Desa Mandarino said, “I am thankful for my soulmate husband “Champ”, creative-athletic-loving daughter Gianna, cuddly and sprinting doggy Pepper, and getting to teach and learn with our Royals every day. So thankful that San Marcos is a second beautiful Santa Barbara home where everyone can grow, learn, and develop meaningful relationships. I am grateful for my health, body, mind, spirit, and calling to thrive with others. Also sunrises, sunsets, Mexican and Italian food, the beach to play, the ocean to swim and mountains to run-hike.”
Teacher Mr. Recine said, “I am thankful that each day I get to spend time with my students, who are strong, smart and resilient, with my twin toddlers, who are growing and learning so much everyday (and keep me on my toes!), with my teenage daughter, who teaches me something new almost everyday, and my wife, who is the best partner I could ever dream of sharing life’s journey with. I’m also thankful for my 3 dogs and my cat. And I’m thankful for naps. I don’t get them often, but when I do, they are precious.”
Here were some ways to be grateful, now remember that big or small it doesn’t matter, you can be grateful for anything. So give thanks to anyone for anything, because it won’t only brighten your day it would brighten their day too. Here I’ll start, thank you!
Staff Share Their Grateful Thoughts
Mr. Holdren-Principal
I am thankful for the opportunity to lead our school, for the awesome students I get to work with every day, and for our fantastic teachers and staff who have dedicated their lives to helping our kids and community.
Mr. Libhart- Learning Center
I am thankful for enjoying another year at San Marcos. One with more positivity and fun in the air.
Mrs. Dupont-Assistant Principal
I’m thankful for my husband and two daughters and for the fact that we get to wake up every day and call home to this beautiful town.
Mr. Oftedal-History
I am thankful for students who have fun while we are learning. It makes my day to hear laughter in the classroom even when the tasks are difficult.
Mr. Recine-Therapeutic Learning Class Teacher
I am thankful that each day I get to spend time with my students, who are strong, smart and resilient, with my twin toddlers, who are growing and learning so much everyday (and keep me on my toes!), with my teenage daughter, who teaches me something new almost everyday, and my wife, who is the best partner I could ever dream of to share life’s journey with. Im also thankful for my 3 dogs and my cat. And Im thankful for naps. I dont get them often, but when I do, they are precious.
Mr. Goettler-APES and Horticulture
I am thankful for all the young people at our school who dedicate their time and energy to make the world a better place, even when our challenges–environmental, economic, and social–seem overwhelming at times.
Mrs. Bagdanov-English
I am grateful for my two sons & my husband. I’m also grateful for my job that allows me to build such life-giving relationships with students!
Mr. Vogel-Sculpture
I am thankful for my wife, my baby, and my whole family. I am also thankful for art, music, and the ocean because these three things inspire me each and every day. Last but not least I am thankful for YOU, the students of SMHS! Go Royals!
Ms. Davis-Counselor
I am thankful to work in a career where I enjoy what I do every day. I am also thankful for having a week off of school to spend time with my family.
Ms. Cervantes-Receptionist
I am thankful for my job. It brings joy to my heart to serve at the school where I graduated from.
Mr. Clow-Government
My wife, my cat, and music.
Mrs. Ahlers-English and Spanish
I am thankful for my family, where we live, and my work.
Mr. Koroshec-English
I’m thankful to have my daughter on campus with me.
Mr. King-English
I am thankful for good books, candles, and sweaters.
Ms. Castle-Life Skills
I am thankful for the students and staff in H1; we come together on a regular basis to problem solve and do our best!
Mr. Shapland-Physics
I’m thankful I get to work next to my best friend in the whole wide world, Mr. Rip.
Ms. Ramirez-Counselor
I am thankful to have reached a milestone in life it means more now after a world wide pandemic that truly affected my physical and mental well being. I do not regret getting older because I am truly silly and young at heart and it’s a privilege many aren’t afforded in other parts of the world because they do not have adequate access to healthcare and medicine. One day I hope in the not so distant future I will have the courage to travel the world again and continue to grow as a human and expand my knowledge.
Hannah Holman-Speech Language Pathologist
I am thankful for the students and staff I am blessed to work with each day. Y’all bring me so much joy and teach/challenge me to be better!
Mr. Eichert-Spanish
All the young people and adults that make SMHS a school we can be proud of.
Mrs. Willbanks-Yearbook and Journalism
I am thankful for meaningful work and great students to do this work with. I am thankful all my editors who give direction and leadership to our yearbook and King’s Page. I am thankful for my family who keep me going. And I am thankful for each God given day I get to live, and love and play.