While I regret to say that I have not been very active on the website/holiday challenge section until today, I am proud that I say that the holiday challenge has still affected me and given me a greater depth of insight into the power of education. Although I cannot say that I have been participating in all of the holiday challenge events or even discussing/thinking about the holiday challenge everyday, merely joining and doing the holiday challenge has helped me to expand my level of thought and appreciation. From the first day of doing the challenge, while writing my introductory blog, I was forced to examine my life and the role of education within it. While I had previously thought of education as something no more than a forced hassle that took up my free time, really taking the time to examine its effect on me has made me appreciate just how important it is.

The website itself has also shown me that while education is important, there are many in the world who are unable to receive this simple yet opportunity-opening privilege. Taking time to look through the causes and all that people are doing to help expand education to those in need of it has also led me to appreciate the drive and work of others while also helping me to think of ways to help others myself. As a current college student hoping to become a doctor, I am extremely grateful for the education that I have received and will be receiving in the future. I am thankful to the givology website/holiday challenge and the people taking part in all of its events for helping me to realize and appreciate the gifts in my life and for helping to further the cause of education and giving the opportunity for a better life to the minds and souls who need it.