Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens…

The capability to have more than one favorite thing is what makes being human spectacular. Favorite friends. Favorite traditions. Favorite foods. Favorite colors. Favorite pastimes. Favorite places. Favorites, favorites, favorites. The list is never-ending.

Brown paper packages tied up with strings,

These are a few of my favorite things…

Animals tend to be high up on the list of favorites because of the sense of calmness and friendship they provide. An estimated 164 million Americans enjoy all that owning a pet has to offer. About three months ago, freshman Nellie Neufeld received a horse named Rusty from her aunt and uncle.

“Riding Rusty is my favorite thing to do because I can just get away from everything and relax,” Neufeld said. “He is very smart, and he clings to me.”

Because pets express unconditional love, they are greatly favored by humans.

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels,

Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles…

People are bound to have favorite ways to spend individual free time, playing sports or watching television, taking joy in listening to music or reading. Freshman Grace Hatley’s favorite hobby is to sing.

“I love singing,” Hatley said. “It takes me to a whole other place.”

Sophomore Katelin Reed puts her nose in a book when it comes to spare time.

“I like to read,” Reed said. “I like going on different adventures and being able to put myself in their shoes.”

Favorite pastimes vary immensely among people, but they help mold people into their full character.

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wing,

These are a few of my favorite things…

People’s favorite things often tie back to their absolute favorite places. Neufeld’s favorite place to go is a California beach.

“The sunset is breathtaking, and the sand feels so good,” Neufeld said. “My favorite thing in the whole world is the sky because every day there is a new or different view.”

Senior Benny Unger’s favorite place to travel is connected to his favorite things.

“My favorite place to go is Amarillo because my siblings live there, and I like to chill and hangout,” Unger said. “Being around my family is my favorite thing because we have a lot of things in common, and we talk about everything.”

Whether it is the colors of a sunset or the laughter of family and friends, people’s favorite places are most often linked to their favorite things.

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes,

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes…

Friends and family hold a sincere place in the human heart, and no matter how frustrating those closest to us might be at times, people have a tendency to list friends and family as a favorite part of their lives.

“Friends are my favorite,” freshman Charity Navarro said. “They cheer me up.”

Even though no one is perfect, those we hold dear always seem to be close. Family and friends fill up a huge fraction of people’s free time.

“Hanging out with friends is my favorite thing to do in my spare time,” sophomore Steven Day-Mares said. “ I cherish those moments.”

While friends are special, family members are the favorite friends who can’t get away.

“Family is my favorite thing,” sophomore Olivia Flores said. “All I want is to spend time with my family and just have fun.”

Nothing ranks No. 1 on the list of favorite things like the beauty of friendships and family.

Silver white winter that melts into spring,

These are a few of my favorite things…

The capability to have more than one favorite thing is not only what makes being human spectacular, but also what makes being human, well, human. People’s favorite things make the bitter parts of life a little sweeter, whether singing or enjoying time with family. A person’s favorite thing defines who he or she is and leaves behind something to remember.

When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad,

 I simply remember my favorite things and then I don’t feel so bad…

THANKS TO RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN FOR THEIR MUSICAL TALENT AND THE GREAT JULIE ANDREWS FOR MAKING US LOVE The Sound of Music.