1. Be thankful McKeldin Mall construction is almost over. The end is near (I think).
Apart from the gaudy orange plastic fencing that lines McKeldin Mall, the beloved campus hangout is finally coming together, just in time for beautiful warm weather! Oh, wait.
2. Be thankful we all haven’t caught the plague from rubbing Testudo’s nose.
I mean seriously, that turtle has to be the germiest dude on campus. Even though I am well aware Testudo is probably crawling with bacteria, I can’t help myself from giving him a stroke when I walk by. I think the good luck bestowed upon us from the great terrapin counteracts any diseases we get from touching the same nose thousands of other Terps have rubbed.
3. Be thankful none of us died from the wild rubber gun man spotted in front of Ritchie Coliseum.
Where were you when you got the UMPD alert that there was a guy with an AR-15 on campus? That’s a question you’ll remember the answer to for the rest of your life. Luckily, the AR-15 turned out to be made of rubber. Still, we’ll never forget.
4. Be thankful UMD-Secure hasn’t been playing any games recently.
Just kidding, UMD-Secure is always playing games.
5. Be thankful you haven’t been killed by a rogue campus biker.
We’ve all seen our lives flash before our eyes when someone obviously late to class speeds by on their bike, almost squishing you on the sidewalk. If you’re reading this, it means you aren’t dead (yet).
6. Be thankful midterms are over…
…time for finals.
7. But seriously, be thankful you go to this incredible school.
I’m a freshman almost finished with my first semester at University of Maryland. I can honestly say I do not have a single regret about the school where I chose to spend my four years of college. The campus is beautiful (except you McKeldin), the people are friendly, the sports are amazing, the academics are prestigious and we’re twenty minutes outside of the nation’s capital. UMD is the full package, and I couldn’t feel more blessed to have the opportunity to receive a degree from this amazing school. Happy Thanksgiving, Terps! Enjoy your break and get ready for basketball season!