A time for thanks is upon us, and students should take this opportunity to reflect and be thankful for the family and friends who surround them.

In theory, every day should be a day to be thankful — thankful to be alive, thankful for the chance to receive a higher education and thankful for the right to choose the lives we lead.

Oftentimes, these gifts are taken for granted, and a thank you is replaced with a sense of entitlement, simply on the basis of being American.

Thanksgiving is a day to set aside all of the business and stress of everyday life and share love, togetherness and good food with family.

Family does not necessarily mean mom, dad, brother and sister only.

Family, in the broad sense of the term, encompasses any loved one, be it immediate family or a close circle of friends. These people are held dear for a reason and should be acknowledged and thanked for these very reasons.

Society, at times, can be very cynical, especially regarding topics such as holidays, religion and politics. Historians over the years have attempted to debunk the original story of Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims of Plymouth Rock.

High-profile celebrities have spoken out about the farce they feel is Thanksgiving.

Angelina Jolie, in particular, is known to leave the country during the holiday because she, in her words, refuses to celebrate the slaughter of the Native American people.

The subject is a touchy one, to say the least. Regardless, the meaning behind the holiday should be what matters at this point in the American timeline.

The underlying meaning is compassion, love, respect and thanks to loved ones and to those who put their lives on the line each day to ensure that society is safe and able to celebrate thanks.

So when Nov. 22 rolls around, remember there is a lot to be thankful for and a ton of people who deserve and need the compassion and love the holiday brings about.