As many in the Florida State community have already expressed this holiday season, we have a lot to be thankful for. The Strozier Library shooting that occurred on November 20th traumatized our community, injured two of our own, and shattered the illusion of safety and security that we have previously had at our university.
This event, along with the holiday season in general, has prompted the usual sappy (and wonderful) list of things that we are thankful for. A typical Facebook post from Thanksgiving Day would include, “I am thankful for my parents, my dog, my extended family, this delicious food, God,” and, more emphatically than usual, “and to be a Florida State Seminole.”
As great as this list is, and as important as it is that we take the time to be thankful for all the blessings in our life, I would like to follow our biggest game of the year by addressing some of the greater things we have to be thankful for: all of the things that make us better than the University of Florida.
Our School Colors
There’s no doubt that garnet and gold is a much prettier, classier color combination than orange and blue. Disgusting. And we all know that all of the worst schools wear orange: UF, Miami, Clemson… The list goes on and on. Let’s be thankful that we get to wear our garnet and gold and out-dress the Gators every day.
Image from: http://livingincolorprint.com/seminole-nation-blogger-style-part-v/
Our Location
What’s in Gainesville? Oh yeah, nothing but the University of Florida. Here in Tallahassee, FSU is the city’s heartbeat, but it’s not the only thing. We have the state’s capitol, a thriving community, and another awesome university (shout out to FAMU). Not to mention that Tallahassee is a center of art and culture, with many wonderful museums, dance companies, and orchestra, and a civic center that hosts many musicians, comedians, and productions. We have a fantastic city to be thankful for.
Our Coach
Not only is Jimbo Fisher a good man, but he also wins games. At least we know who our coach is going to be next season (I’m looking at you, Muschamp). I’m sure this goes without saying, but be thankful for our winning coach and our undefeated, National Champion team.
The Chop/Warchant
Have you seen what Gators do at their games? Their band plays the Jaws theme and they do the “chomp” as the song increases tempo. It’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen. First of all, Jaws is about a shark. You’re a gator, a swamp creature. Stop. Seminoles, be thankful that we have a tradition that strikes fear in the hearts of our opponents and serves as a source of strength for our team.
Mrs. Killings
She loves all of us. Be thankful for her and the blessing that she is to our school.
Image from: http://www.fsunews.com/article/20120125/FSVIEW1/120124022/Mrs-Eva-Killings-brightest-light-FSU
A Community That Cares
It’s no surprise to see how the Florida State community came together in the wake of the Strozier shooting. Seminoles gathered to support each other in comfort, prayer, fundraisers, and so much more. Even FAMU has offered its services to FSU by allowing our students to use their library and other study centers to prepare for finals. Tallahassee is an incredible community with incredible people, and we need to be thankful to be at such an incredible school.