Gratitude: an emotion to express someone’s appreciation for what they have, and to focus on the present. The month of November is known as National Gratitude Month.

According to National Today, November is proclaimed to be National Gratitude Month since its submission by Stacey Grewal in August 2015. Grewal believes that gratitude is an essential ingredient to a fulfilling life.

Gratitude is an emotion that almost every person has and expresses in some kind of way. It can affect one’s life in a multitude of ways, whether it is their internal mental state or their external relationships and attitudes. The students and teachers at Foran are no exception to this emotion, and the consequences it has on them both inside and outside of school.

Something that both students and teachers are commonly grateful for is their parents and family members, as they are the ones who have taken care of them and have helped shape the many personalities that are within the Foran building.

“My parents sacrifice a lot of time and money just to help try and achieve my dreams and goals. That’s why I’m very grateful for them.” says junior Colin Monahan

Feeling gratitude can help people navigate their day with a smile and a positive attitude, as it does for teachers like Chelsie Lazaro, a member of the school’s math department. Without  gratitude, Lazaro wouldn’t be able to get through a school day with as much positivity as she usually has.

Gratitude even makes a difference in the academic lives of students and teachers as well. Students like Monahan are able to find appreciation in things like their grades they have and worked for at school. 

On the other hand, teachers within Foran believe that gratitude can contribute to a positive learning experience and environment during classes.

“It allows students to be more comfortable with sharing their thoughts and ideas.” states Lazaro.

Lazaro goes on to say that gratitude helps students appreciate small groups as the students get to indulge in new ideas and perspectives.

Some people however don’t frequently show any appreciation on any daily basis, resulting in an impact on their mental health and their relationships. 

“I think people should practice gratitude because it could help their mental health.” says Monahan.

Many people within the Foran community show off their gratitude in many ways and it should be encouraged to practice it both inside and outside of school.