I vaguely remember my first Thanksgiving  in elementary school. I remember that we made paper pilgrim hats and Indian head bands. We talked about the importance of this gathering and how the pilgrims would have never survived without the lessons learned from the Native Americans. We also put a great deal of importance towards Squanto, who was a Native American that tried to bridge the gap between the two cultures. It was because this act of kindness the celebration of Thanksgiving began.

I also remember that our teacher at the time was a Native American, and she told us of the sufferings that her people faced because of the pilgrims. This was extremely biased, but what she taught was very true (just had a few other details missing). As this was my first impression of what the meaning of Thanksgiving was, I remember that I thought for a long time that this holiday was to pay your respects to Native Americans and the cruelties that they endured. Rather than taking the time to look at your life and all that you are blessed to have.