By Elizabeth Faragi

Whether you’re excited for the classic Thanksgiving dinner or to reunite with family and friends, it is an important holiday that is unique to all students. As Thanksgiving break approaches for University of Maryland students, take the time to relax and express gratitude for the world around you. 

Generally, Thanksgiving is centered around having food with your family. The usual turkey, stuffing, potatoes and pies are what many people look forward to.

“We have a lot of family come and make really good food,” Emily Bontempo, a junior business major, said. “My dad deep fries a turkey every year.” 

However, for Bontempo, the best part of Thanksgiving is the sandwiches her family makes together the day after the holiday, using all the leftovers. 

“We panini press stuffing into the bread,” Bontempo said. “Then, we use the deep-fried turkey and add lettuce, tomato, olives and peppers and dip it in homemade gravy.” 

Traditions like these are what make Thanksgiving unique and special to everyone. Blake Cohen, a sophomore environmental science and policy major, said she’s excited to go to dinner with her dad’s family at Moderne Barn, a restaurant in Westchester, New York. 

“That started when we were little,” Cohen said. “When we were little, we would go to the country club with my grandpa when he was alive. Now we go to the restaurant every year in his memory.” 

For some, Thanksgiving is celebrated not just with family, but friends too. Eleni Chacharone, a sophomore criminology major, said she is excited to have a “friendsgiving” with her friends from home over break. 

“Everyone had to sign up for a specific food,” Chacharone said. “I’m bringing Greek potatoes and Tini’s mac and cheese. I’m most excited for that. It’s going to be amazing.” 

Aside from the food, it’s important to remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving, rooted in gratitude. Mackenzie Wilson, a junior public health major, said she is pleased with the philanthropic work she does with her sorority on campus. 

“I am most grateful for having the opportunity to serve for Service for Sight, which serves the blind and visually impaired,” Wilson said. “It’s been a great opportunity for me to support them in my position as VP Foundation.” 

Cohen expressed her gratitude for her younger sister. 

“I’m most grateful for my little sister,” Cohen said. “She’s my best friend. I’m so excited to get to spend time with her again. I really miss her.” 

Bontempo said she is grateful for her two dogs, Millie and Papi. She added that Papi is a cavapoo and Millie wears pajamas. 

In the midst of busy lives, students tend to forget to sit down, breathe and think about everything they’ve experienced. Thanksgiving is one of the few opportunities people get to relax and remember what they’re grateful for and what is important to them. 

Featured Image: A residential street lined with fall trees. Photo by Monique James.