A month of giving thanks
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I’ve never craved home-cooked meals more.
As Thanksgiving creeps nearer and nearer, I cannot help but dream about turkey and mashed potatoes, floating around in my head as my stomach begins to complain with groans and rumbles.
With elections being over and the month of supposed “giving thanks” upon us, there was an expectation that peace would be making an appearance in the not so distant future. Although it seems to have taken off, running for the hills along with the sanity of many a student. Projects, homework and group meetings seem to be dictating the lives of fellow classmates, acting as though Black Friday is now every day, and instead of deals, people are fighting for grades and against deadlines.
The holidays have always been busy, but people seem to forget, only remembering the blissful times and the eggnog. “No, no, I’ll wait to get her a present” or “I’ll think about that later” are popular sayings that are always sworn never to be said again, but somehow have a way of recurring every year.
And as far as Thanksgiving, it can be hard to give thanks. What is there to be thankful for? The fact that George Lucas sold Lucasfilm as well as the rights to do another “Star Wars” to Disney? The fact that Kristin Stewart hasn’t changed her facial expression in five years?
Let’s downsize our “thanks” and think about things that relate directly to us: A couple of wondrous clichés like family, friends and good health come to mind. How about the fact that we’re in college? For music, our talents and abilities, or the fact that “The Bachelor” is on Hulu, so my roommates can’t see me watching it and openly mock me. There’s much more than deadlines and pages of to-be written papers to be thankful about.
Being lucky is not about being fortunate, rather, it is about looking past the obvious and sometimes finding the best in the worst. Simply by being aware – of this month of thanks, of others, and of the growing and sensitive world around us, can help guide us on a path to happiness. What happened to “giving from the heart?” There are scarce situations where people are found volunteering with no motivations. It’s quid pro quo at its worst.
“Be nice” has been a reoccurring theme in my columns. Funny, I never thought that I would write about a topic so much. But countless reminders seem to be necessary sometimes, especially in this competitive and often chaotic world that we live in. Alas, I cannot write about such a topic continuously for a year (trust me, I’ve thought about making it a challenge for myself), and therefore, I give up the role of sweet, old grandmother whose answer is always “treat others the way you want to be treated.” Retiring both my image and the message that I often present, I hand this role over to you.
sschoch@lanthorn.com
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013
Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon
GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.
GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.
GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.
Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement
Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.
Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season
Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.
GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.
GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.
GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library
Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.
GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom
GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.
Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.
Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.
GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.
GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.
GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.
GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.
GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.
GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.
GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.
GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
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