As Thanksgiving approaches, students and staff across Gabrielino are reflecting on what it truly means to be grateful. In a busy school year filled with assignments, sports, and extracurricular activities, this season offers a rare moment to pause and appreciate the things—big and small—that often go unnoticed. Gratitude, many on campus say, is more than just a holiday tradition. It is a mindset, a daily practice, and a reminder that even on stressful days, there is always something worth appreciating.
For Shalla Rubacalva, ASB Secretary, gratitude is shaped by experience, sacrifice, and family. As the mother of two sons who served in the military, she carries a deep sense of appreciation for both her loved ones and the country they served. Their time in the military taught her to value the freedoms and opportunities many people might take for granted. “We are grateful to be in this country,” she said, a message she shares with students who ask about her family or her sons’ service.
Rubacalva does not shy away from discussing her sons’ time in the military with kids on campus. To her, sharing their story is a way to help students understand the importance of gratitude—not just for personal blessings, but for the community that shaped their lives. She hopes that when students hear about her sons’ experiences, they recognize how lucky they are to live in a place where they are safe, free, and surrounded by opportunity.
One thing she is particularly grateful for today is the ability to stay connected. When her sons were away, she could call them whenever she needed to hear their voices—something she knows was not possible for families in the past. “In the past, you had to wait forever because you had to mail it to them,” she said. “Now, you can just call.” To Rubacalva, this simple convenience is a constant reminder of how much there is to appreciate in everyday life. Communication, family, and even small moments of connection are privileges she never takes lightly.
While Shalla’s story reflects gratitude formed through life experiences and family sacrifice, students on campus are learning to practice their own forms of appreciation. One of those students is junior Andrea Cuevas, whose perspective on gratitude is shaped by friendships, family, and her personal growth as a student.
For Andrea, gratitude starts with the people in her life. “The thing I am most grateful for is having my friends and family by my side,” she explained. Her closest friends, she says, bring positivity into her daily routine. “Pretty much my friends—always laughing with them and being positive—means the world to me.” Whether she is sharing a joke in the hallway or catching up before class, those simple moments help her stay grounded.
She also carries a family routine into her school days: every morning, she sends a message to her mom before getting to class. It is her way of staying connected and showing appreciation, no matter how busy life gets. Acts of gratitude, she says, do not have to be big or dramatic—they just have to be sincere. “I show gratitude by telling the people in my life how much I appreciate them or sometimes gifting them things,” she said. To her, expressing appreciation strengthens relationships and spreads positivity.
Academically, Andrea says gratitude motivates her to work hard. She tries to stay “on top of her game” because she knows not everyone has the same opportunities she has. “People have it harder,” she reflected, “so I should appreciate the fact that I get to advance my education.” This mindset helps her stay focused in school and be more understanding of the people around her.
She also makes a point to thank the people who matter most. “I would like to thank one of my best friends for always being by my side and helping me whenever things get hard,” she said. The support she receives from friends and family is something she values deeply—something she never wants to overlook.
At home, her family practices gratitude together. Every Thanksgiving, before they enjoy their meal, each person mentions something they are grateful for. Andrea says this tradition helps her remember that even in tough moments, there is always something to appreciate. At school, this mindset carries over into how she treats others. “Practicing gratitude affects my outlook on school because I always try to be respectful to peers,” she said. “And it makes me appreciative when they are kind back.”
Andrea also believes that the school community offers a lot to appreciate—sometimes in moments students do not expect. One example she mentioned is the activities in the quad, where students gather, participate in events, and simply laugh together. “That is when peers get together with one another, and it creates more connections,” she said. Those moments, she believes, bring the campus together in positive ways.
Looking forward, Andrea thinks gratitude has the power to transform the school environment as a whole. When students appreciate one another, she said, everything—from learning to friendships to daily interactions—becomes more positive. “Gratitude can make the school environment better for everyone,” she said. “It makes it a more positive and all-around better experience, and it gives us something to look forward to the next day.”
Together, the perspectives of Shalla Rubacalva and Andrea Cuevas show that gratitude is not just a once-a-year reflection—it is a daily practice that connects people across generations. Whether it is appreciating family members who served, cherishing friends who make tough days easier, or recognizing the privileges of education and community, gratitude shapes the way people see the world.
As Thanksgiving arrives at Gabrielino, both Shalla and Andrea remind us that gratitude comes in many forms. Sometimes it is rooted in sacrifice; sometimes it is found in simple routines. But in every case, it inspires deeper appreciation for the people and opportunities that shape our lives. And in a season dedicated to giving thanks, their stories encourage the entire Gabrielino community to reflect and hold onto the things that matter most.
