This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Clemson chapter.
5 Things You Should Thank Clemson for this Year:
Life gets pretty hectic. Between classes, exams, and assigned reading we often feel
overwhelmed by all the work and stress of life. Everything seems to be happening at
once, and at times, it’s difficult to sort through the jumble mess. However, one of the
best parts as we get closer to the end of year is the chance to slow down a bit. We
get a chance to appreciate the little things in life as we are given various holidays
that celebrate family, health, and other life’s blessings. The semester ends, and we
get a much-needed break from classes. We pack up our duffel bags and head home
for the holidays. But before I jump ahead of myself, I think we should take time to
appreciate that holiday that kicks off the season: Thanksgiving.
Often overlooked in anticipation for December, Thanksgiving allows us to reflect
on the past year and to pinpoint specific blessings for which we are specifically
thankful. I hope that this year you extend your thanks to include the best place on
earth. I hope you include the blessing these hills have given to you over the past
year. To jog your memory a little bit, let me remind you of 5 things you should thank
Clemson for this year as you sit around your Thanksgiving table eating your share of
turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie…
1. An Extended Family
The Clemson family is not a hoax. It is not something that is used to lure
people onto campus for four years. No, the Clemson bloodline runs true and
it runs deep. Each tiger has a connection to the university whether they
realize the strength of it or not. When we drove onto campus in August for
move-in day, we were welcomed into the loving arms of a family of
thousands. We entered the Clemson family.
Every person feels this connection differently. Some may feel it looking
around the stands in Death Valley on Saturdays; some may feel it running
into the arms of their sorority sisters; some may feel it in the wee hours of
the morning studying in Cooper Library. However you feel it and wherever
you feel it, every tiger becomes a part of it. Clemson gave us an extended
family on which we continually rely. Our classmates become friends, and our
friends become family. Although they might not be seated around our
Thanksgiving table, we are just as blessed by our extended Clemson family as
we are by our biological families.
2. Unmatched School Spirit
Close your eyes and hear the ear-piercing roar of Death Valley. Imagine the
sea of solid orange on Fridays. Listen as the Tiger Rag plays in the bell tower
of Tillman. Envision yourself walking across Bowman Field or sitting in the
Amphitheater.
All other universities’ school spirit pales in comparison to the Clemson
tigers. I think one of the things that draw people to Clemson, South Carolina
is the immense school pride. People proudly wear orange and purple any day
of the week. We follow all the stats from every sport’s team. Personally, I
never thought I’d be at a wedding shower watching a three-hour football
game on the television because I never cared enough to watch football on the
TV. However, I don’t think that way anymore. I did watch that game at a
wedding shower, and I would do it any day for my tigers.
That’s another thing. We become slightly possessive of any and all things
Clemson. It’s our school and our tigers. We love to lay claim to this amazing
university and everything it has to offer. And why shouldn’t we? I may be a
little biased, but we do go to the best university in the country. So why not be
proud and show our love for Clemson?
3. A Gorgeous Campus
Classes are rough. 8 am classes are rougher. Waking up for 8 am classes is
the roughest. However, one thing that makes that walk to the lecture hall
better is the beautiful campus that surrounds you as you hurry to be counted
on the attendance sheet. One of my favorite things to do after a particular
stressful day of classes is to take the long way back to my dorm. I simply walk
and marvel at how I get to attend such a gorgeous school.
You do not know a blue sky until you have seen how the clear blue sky
provides a perfect backdrop to the bell tower in the afternoons. You do not
know fall until you have seen the leaves on Clemson’s campus change color.
You do not know beauty until you have seen the sunsets which make you
understand why our school colors are orange and purple. There really is
something in these hills, which fills us tigers with awe and with pride.
One of the things missing from our Thanksgiving tables will be those little
pieces of our hearts that remains in Clemson, SC when we are away. They
want to stay where the tigers roam free. So, this Thanksgiving pay a little
homage to this beautiful campus and give thanks to this campus we are
blessed to call home.
4. New Appreciation for Orange & Purple
Never in my life would I think that orange and purple were the perfect
color combination. I grew up literally wearing pink, blue, yellow, green, and
red (pretty much never orange and purple…or at least never together). Well,
that is until 3 months ago. Now, my closet is full of more orange t-shirts than
I could possibly wear and purple accents to make them even more Clemson. I
have a series of gameday dresses, two jerseys, and various accessories all in
my new favorite color combination. I find myself getting excited when I see
these two colors side by side in stores. It makes me feel as if someone else
planned for Clemson to be represented in such a way.
So this year, we should thank Clemson for giving us an appreciation for
the colors orange and purple. We should thank Clemson for taking over our
closets with so much school pride. When we’re sitting around the table, we
might just give our thanks for hearts that bleed orange and purple.
5. A New Chapter in My Life
Clemson is the setting of the newest chapter in my life: the college years.
It’s the backdrop for four years of self-discovery, adventures, and growth. I’m
especially blessed to have found a school that I adore and love with every
ounce of my being. I’m blessed that after a stressful senior year of college
applications, scholarship essays, and final decisions, I’m finally able to say it
was all worth it. This year for me welcomed the most change in my life thus
far. It was a big transition, but one that Clemson made just that much more
easier.
And if you’re reading this article, I might assume that Clemson has affected
you too. Whether you went here, go here, or are considering going here, I’m
sure you realize the impact Clemson has. Or maybe you are just a born and
breed Tiger who loves this school. Or perhaps you are lucky enough to know
and love a Clemson Tiger. Whatever the reason, this year I think we should
give our blessings to Clemson and all the amazing things being a Tiger has
brought us.
So, let’s give thanks to this wonderful university: the people, the spirit, and
the opportunity to be called a tiger.
Happy Thanksgiving to Clemson and to my fellow Tigers from my table to
yours <3