we take for granted. In the following paragraphs, I will state what I am thankful for and why.

First, I am thankful for being born into a great family. I have two great parents and a younger brother. I am thankful for the support they have given me over the years, because I know that if it was not for their support and guidance, I would be into a lot of trouble. I am also thankful for my parents' religious beliefs that they have instilled in my brother and I.

I am also thankful for my God given sports talents. My love of sports and my religion have kept me out of trouble. I am thankful for my mother's insight. I remember when I was riding my pedal bike and wanted to race off the hill with the other neighbourhood boys. My mother would not allow me to go and I was highly upset. It was a good thing she said no because they all got into an accident and got road rash. I was very thankful that she said no.

I am thankful that only one of my family members has passed away and no more than that. I know that death occurs everyday and that could have very well been another one of my family members, but it was not. For this I am very thankful.

My education is very important to me. It is so important to me because someday I want to have a good job so that I can raise a family and take care of my parents when they get old. I also want to prove that this generation can do things with our lives and that we do know where we are going. I want to prove that young black men can do more than sit on the wall and sell drugs. I want to show society that this generation has direction and wants to go somewhere with our lives and can be both responsible and successful.

In conclusion, this essay made me realise that the everyday things that I have, I may take for granted. There are many people all over the world who are less fortunate than me and would love to be in my position.

*** JEVON ROBERTS -- CedarBridge Academy