Well Penn State, it’s been one heck of a semester so far. Overtime upsets, Beaver Canyon riots and daylong tailgates have brought us all to a much needed week of rest and relaxation back home. A time to reflect on all that has happened thus far and appreciate the little things Happy Valley has bestowed upon us. And while there are of course a few things we could do without (last week’s loss, anyone?), here are 20 things we should all be giving thanks for this year:
1. We are eligiBOWL.
2. Our mailman is probably the best guy you’ll ever meet.
3. Our mascot is perfection.
4. We remain the #1 student section in the country.
5. Tailgating season was, once again, a success.
6. HUB construction is FINALLY set to be completed this May…
7. …which includes a brand new THON merchandise store…
8. …and the new logo is probably the cutest thing we’ve ever seen.
9. Pokey stix, Chipotle, grilled stickies, Wings Over, Creamery ice cream and Insomnia Cookies.
10. Primanti Bros. is making the trip from Pittsburgh just for us.
11. The free concerts.
12. Parkas. Lots and lots of parkas.
13. CATA buses – We complain, but when it’s 2 A.M. and 2 degrees outside, they deserve many, many thanks.
14. Those little heat vents on campus that give us .2 seconds of relief while we’re walking to class.
15. The solid additions to HUB Dining.
16. Ugly Christmas sweater parties are coming…
(Photo credit: http://thesweaterstore.com)
17. As much as we hate the weather, State College near Christmas time is pure magic.
18. President Barron is a boss.
19. The prestige.
20. The crazy nights, the miserable mornings and the moments that make it impossible to imagine what we ever did before we came here.
In all seriousness, with the financial, social and intellectual obstacles that every student must face in today’s economy, being able to go to college is reason enough to give thanks. The fact that we have the opportunity to attend The Pennsylvania State University is what makes each and every day an absolute blessing.
So, enjoy your breaks, eat lots of food, do the laundry you’ve been putting off for the past four weeks, and when it’s time to come back and you can’t seem to fathom the idea of leaving your carefree home life, just remember what you’re going back to.
Happy Thanksgiving, Penn State!