In the spirit of Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for?
Ah, yes, the obligatory “what are you thankful for” question — I really am that predictable. Roll your eyes all you want, but I wholeheartedly believe in the regular practice of gratitude. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Besides the obvious appeal of the abundance of food, a time where second, third, and fourth helpings are unhesitatingly encouraged, Thanksgiving is one of the only holidays that hasn’t been absolutely compromised by consumerism; although it should be noted, like many national holidays, this is one with especially ugly origins. Allow me to overlook the true, massacrist history of this American holiday for a moment; may we use the regret of our past to inform our appreciation for the things we otherwise neglect. When we neglect gratitude, we become oblivious to our relative privilege. Our privilege, then, becomes normalized — not something treasured, but expected. This is dangerous territory not only because it leads us down a path of ignorance and entitlement, but also because, when we don’t stop to meditate on our lives, we let it pass us by. In the storm of studying before the calm of winter break (otherwise known as finals season), I interrupted students’ routines to force the practice of gratitude upon them. What I found among Huskies was a singular, selfless response…
Lucia Moreira
Second-Year Politics, Philosophy and Economics Major
“I am thankful for my family, my friends, and the people who support me because they’re the ones who motivate me, make me stronger, and make me keep working for the things I want.”
Brian Baomessa
Third-Year Mechanical Engineering Major
“I am thankful for people who show up to group projects because that’s a rarity in life.”
Michael Bober
Second-Year Health Science Major
“I am thankful for all my amazing and supportive friends that I have made here at Northeastern and also the ones I can go home to and still connect with.”
Luis Gonzalez
Second-Year Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry Major
“I’m thankful for my family and my home that I can go back to during the vacation, that it’s so close and easy to get to.”
Tova Lenchner
Third-Year Communications Major
“I am thankful for my great friends. My family lives quite far away so I’m lucky enough to have friends who took me in this Thanksgiving, so I’m really thankful for friends who become your family.”
The students said it best: we are nothing without the people who surround us, support us, and strengthen us. Whether it be that one kid who actually pulls through with the group project or the friends who’ve become family, our individual success is truly dependent on the success of our relationships. This holiday season and always, show your friends love, show your family appreciation and, through your abounding gratitude, show strangers compassion. And, with each practice of gratitude, may we find one more thing to be thankful for.