By Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
This story was originally published by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, where you can find other stories reporting on fifteen city neighborhoods in Milwaukee. Visit milwaukeenns.org.
As we turn the page on the year, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on what we’re grateful for.
We asked Milwaukeeans to tell us what they’re thankful for this Thanksgiving. Here’s what they had to say.
Andrea Sandoval is an Alexander Hamilton High School student who is taking extra classes at Janus College Preparatory & Arts Academies Inc., or JCPAA. Sandoval is grateful for the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship at JCPAA. (Photo by PrincessSafiya Byers)
‘Having a job and having opportunities’
Name: Andrea Sandoval
Age: 16
Occupation: Alexander Hamilton High School student
Neighborhood: Burnham Park
What are you thankful for this season and why?
“I’m thankful for my family, friends, having a job and having opportunities like this (learning entrepreneurship through Janus College Preparatory & Arts Academies Inc.), where all the teachers at school and here want to see me do well. I have a makeup business, and I have been able to pursue that on a different level this year. and I am thankful for that opportunity.”
Simba Soto remains grateful by maintaining perspective. (Photo provided by Simba Soto)
‘My health and the freedoms I have’
Name: Simba Soto
Age: 30
Occupation: Waiter/event organizer
Neighborhood: Franklin Heights
What are you thankful for this season and why?
“I’m grateful for my health and the freedoms I have as an American. I know no matter how hard life gets, there will always be a person in the hospital praying for the opportunities that I currently take for granted. My health is in good condition and my drive to achieve my goals are strong.”
Eadah Win is an Alexander Hamilton High School student who is taking extra classes at Janus College Preparatory & Arts Academies. (Photo by PrincessSafiya Byers)
‘My family, cousins, friends, my cat and food’
Name: Eadah Win
Age: 17
Occupation: Alexander Hamilton High School student
Neighborhood: South Side
What are you thankful for this season and why?
“I am thankful for my family, cousins, friends, my cat and food. And for being able to pursue my dreams of being a fashion model by having the opportunity to take classes where I am learning about the business side of it.”
Farina Brooks is grateful for her health and is glad to be continuing the Breaking Bread Community Thanksgiving Day Feast. (Photo provided by Farina Brooks)
‘I’m thankful for life’
Name: Farina Brooks
Age: 67
Occupation: Lakeside school bus driver
Neighborhood: Metcalfe Park
What are you thankful for this season and why?
“I’m thankful for life because in January 2018, I was diagnosed with stage two lung cancer and by July 2018, I was (and still am) cancer free.”
Bryan Leconte is grateful for the city’s sports and music scene, among other things. (Photo provided by Bryan Leconte)
‘Opportunities the city of Milwaukee has given me’
Name: Bryan Leconte
Age: 23
Occupation: Property manager
Neighborhood: Walker’s Point
What are you thankful for this season and why?
“I’m grateful for my family, good health and all the opportunities the city of Milwaukee has given me. I love … working for the Brewers, attending Bucks games and going to the many talented indie band shows we have here like Social Cig and Diet Lite.”