Hi, everyone. Welcome to Thanks for being here, a short weekly pod to remind us of the many

essential and beautiful ways we affect one another. Every Sunday, I'll read a submission from a listener

of Kelly Corrigan wonders. Could be wedding vows or a bat mitzvah toast, a eulogy or retirement speech.

We believe this is the loveliest way to tap into our better selves and remember our highest values.

We encourage you to share this podcast each week with one person you love.

Maybe someone you miss or a need to bring closer closer someone you want to feel your appreciation or admiration

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Today's thanks for being here is a college essay that was written by Lily Janice, who is now at Bowden College.

She sets the scene at 2 a.m., hooking me instantly.

It wasn't until the end of her essay that she explains what she's part of.

So I'll leave that for you to discover.

We rise before the sun.

At 2 a.m., we move with silent purpose. We slip on our black socks,

lace our dinkles, tighten our suspenders, fasten each silver button on our jackets, and smooth

our braids down. The noise at breakfast, the buzz of conversation and clink of silverware

reminds us that we'd all rather be sleeping, but we're up for a reason.

Scanning the crowd, I can point out the coffee addicts being deprived of their caffeine by the

scowl they all sport as they eye the forbidden dispensers in the corner. But we've learned from

past mistakes and know that coffee before a parade is a bad idea. I fall asleep on the bus to

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