It is that time of year again: the time of year that my mom makes me and all of my brothers and sisters (and whoever happens to eat Thanksgiving turkey in our house) write down things that we are thankful for on slips of paper and put them into a basket. Then, one by one, each piece of paper is read out loud and everybody has to guess who wrote it. Since my siblings and I range in age from five to twenty-two, there is really never too much mystery involved.
I have to admit that this year has been stressful in different ways. As a senior, there are applications to submit, interviews to bear through and decisions to make. Lately, there have been a lot of "last (insert event) ever" moments, such as darting for classes, sitting in the student section, and being in the middle of the first snow fall of the year at Notre Dame. This Thanksgiving, I am finding myself particularly grateful for anything that has helped me put my time at Notre Dame in perspective and for the people and resources that make this school a place that I have come to love.
On Thursday, I will try to fit all of the following on my "what I'm thankful for paper":
Seniors being able to go on the football field and leave through the tunnel after Saturday's game.
The silence in the stadium just before Officer Tim McCarthy speaks.
Souvenir mugs of hot chocolate in the Stadium.
ND Food Services for going out of its way to make meals special, especially Candlelight dinners.
ND Food Services for chicken cordon bleu days.
Realizing that I don't know where I will be at this time next year, and for Professor McKenna's final lecture that helped me understand that that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Tap dancing class.
Everybody who works hard to keep our campus beautiful and accessible - at all hours and during all weather conditions.
People who spend hours laughing at YouTube videos.
For still being in college and thus somewhat able to rationalize spending hours laughing at YouTube videos.
The Ron Clark Academy performances of "You Can Vote However You Like."
Passionate people - no matter what you are passionate about, you consistently remind me that although the world is a big place, it's possible to make an impact.
Long meals in the dining hall with friends.
Facebook albums.
"I Don't Feel Like Dancin'" and "You Get What You Give."
Just to be here.
For family traditions that, although I mocked for years, I know I will still be keeping for the rest of my life.
