Nov 26, 2015 4 min read

In 2006, our Teen Outreach lost significant funding. Keeping programs going and employees working was challenging. I began a habit I continue today: As I pay bills, I make a list of what gives me joy at the outreach to match each expense. It’s not difficult; I pay the office mortgage, then record the dedication of our assistant director, Heather Crowe. I cover the electricity bill at the Common Ground Teen Center and imagine young people’s laughter. I write checks for the Washington’s Got Talent winners and think of our daughter Amy Podgurski Gough’s passion for the fundraiser she created. Life is a gift. I wish all our readers time with family and friends this holiday weekend.

As I prepare my annual Peer Educator Thanksgiving column, I am especially thankful for these young people. Their resilient spirits give me hope for the future.

Bailey Batch: I am most thankful for my wonderful family and friends. They are so supportive in anything I do! Shae Naylor is my best friend and I am so thankful for her! Also I am thankful for cellphones, wifi, and all the good stuff.

Treasure Caldwell: I’m thankful for everything that I have.

Caitlyn Deems: Everything, honestly. I’ve always found it weird that we could rank things in order of what deserves the most thanks. If any detail in my life was changed, it would be completely different.

Sasha Edwards: This Thanksgiving I’m thankful that my family members are healthy and my friends have a place to be this holiday weekend. I am thankful for my partner who is always there for me (and pumpkin pie).

Jacob Engel: I’m thankful for having all the people that I do in my life. I’m thankful for having a great family and friends, a great football program, and having everything I have in life.

Pareis Gardner: I’m thankful for my best friend, Shae Naylor, and my sisters. They put me in the best moods when I’m at my worst and I know they’ll always be here for me. I love them.

Koron Harris: I have more days at work. I am graduating soon, and soon I will be in California. I’m thankful because soon I will be living my own life. It’s hard but it’s good.

Jackson Legler: I am thankful for the great life I have and the people in it.

Toni Maurer: I’m grateful for everything that I have been given an opportunity to do. I have been given a life that I have lived for almost 16 years. I have wonderful people in my life. To be grateful is to be thankful, and I think that is what we should really focus on this Thanksgiving: the thanks we give to and receive from others.

La’Shae Naylor: I am thankful for waking up every day. Not everyone has the opportunity to have a home and food to eat daily. I’m grateful for people who care about me and make me feel important.

Matt Stroop: I’m thankful for J-Daddy and all the friends I have.

Gavin Sladivar: I’m thankful for my girlfriend, because she’s the only thing that keeps me somewhat sane.

Shelby Studt: I’m glad to have such positive people in my life, like my sister Brittany and my boyfriend Brian. I’m also extremely grateful for Mary Jo, for everything she’s done in my life and for making me into who I am today.

Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.