India, July 5 -- When we think of gratitude, we instinctively look for it in our relationships with people: parents, teachers, friends, or mentors who shape our journeys. But sometimes, our deepest lessons in gratitude come from the quietest corners of our lives, from those who cannot speak our language yet understand us better than we do ourselves.
A few weeks ago, Sanvi, a young rider and national-level equestrian champion, came to me for help with her Common App essay. We spoke about many topics, but I nudged her towards the most avoided yet beautiful prompt: "Reflect on something you are grateful for." It is a prompt that students often fear because they think they must find a dramatic human saviour. But gratitude, I believe, often lie...