By Rashidah B Fowler
The holiday season is upon us again, a time filled with an abundance of sparkling lights, infectious laughter, and a deep unmistakable sense of gratitude. Scouring the internet and the multitude of social media platforms, one can witness en masse the joy spreading across the United States. Despite the stress of this year’s presidential election and the constant bombardment of information on international conflict, Americans have still found things to be thankful for.
According to Dr. Laurie Santos, a cognitive scientist and professor of psychology at Yale, when gratitude is acknowledged and practiced it makes us feel good and drives us to think about others. It even makes us want to help our future selves, she told NPR. Additionally, last year, The New York Post published the results of a gratitude survey conducted by the website for American wine seller Josh Cellars, that found that 77 percent of participants felt more grateful during the holiday season.
The York College campus is no exception to the holiday spirit. We can attribute it to the approaching close of the semester, but decorations have gone up and events are being hosted throughout. The Student Government and the Office of Student Activities hosted a Thanksgiving feast to celebrate and serve students, faculty, and staff of the York College community. Below we ask students what they are thankful for this season.
Celiciann B., 18, Biology
I’m thankful for all my professors classmates and advisors. Everyone that’s here.
Sara, 19, Business Administration
I’m thankful for my family my friends and everyone I know.
Sierra, 22, Social Work
I’m thankful for my community giving me the opportunity to continue my education.
Sylvester, 21, Communications Technology
I’m thankful for food, family, and faith.
Fatoumata, 19, Nursing
FAFSA. I don’t have to pay for school. I get a refund, too. Money comes back to me if there’s enough left.
Ite, 19, Economics
I’m thankful for God, my mom, my four brothers, and my dad.
Valentina, 18, Nursing
I’m thankful for my family, my friends, my health, and their health, too.
