Thanksgiving is a time of surplus nostalgia and thankfulness; a time that brings people’s attention to aspects of their lives they often fail to remember. Although one should be thankful all year, the inevitability of an increased awareness of blessings is to be expected. The Editorial Board members have decided to share with you what they are thankful for in the midst of their busy lives:
Sarah Carlson, arts editor: I’m thankful for my parents, the most self-sacrificing and hardworking people I know. They’ve given up an enormous amount to put my brother and me through school, and I’ll never stop appreciating them and using what they have instilled in me to succeed in life. While I’m thanking people who’ve kept me in school, I’d be remiss not to thank Darrell Horn, my financial aid adviser. Darrell, when I’m famous, I’m buying you a car.
Mitch Holt, opinion editor: I am thankful for people who serve in silence – the ones we don’t hear about but would miss if they weren’t around. I am thankful for my family – Stephen, Chrissy, Mom and Dad. Their support has never been whimsical, departed or inconsistent. I am thankful for the opportunity to attend college, the freedom I have in Christ and the blessings that come with that.
Brian Schmidt, chief photographer: I am greatly thankful for the many opportunities and blessings that God has bestowed upon me while at ACU. Not only have I been able to begin a career that I absolutely love, I have been blessed with some amazing friends, even some who aren’t on the Optimist staff. Being the chief photographer has been a blessing that has brought me great joy and has helped me to get through the many tough times that college brings.
Jaci Schneider, copy editor: I am thankful for the memories I’ve made in the past years. Whether cutting up snowflakes with my roommates for Christmas, having my pants stolen in a hostel in Belgium or swimming in the ocean during a rainstorm in Galveston, I wouldn’t trade the fun times I’ve had with my friends for any amount of money. My friends have made my college experience unforgettable and priceless.
Mallory Sherwood, managing editor: I am thankful for my little brother, who is a freshman this year. It’s funny how spending a few years apart after so many together can draw two people closer, and that happened with us. I am thankful that he attends school here and for his friendship that often comes in the form of needing to do laundry, wanting a home-cooked meal, needing to be bailed out of debt or giving giant bear hugs and for the unique personality he has. Happy Thanksgiving, John.
Jonathan Smith, editor in chief: I’m thankful for seven hours of course work in the spring, so I can spend more time during my final semester with the people I care about instead of reading a textbook or stressing about a project. The memories I have with them will stay with me much longer than many of the facts and concepts I’ll cram into my head before finals week.
