As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, many students are taking a moment to reflect on the people and resources that have supported them throughout the semester.
For many, the holiday season serves as an opportunity to reconnect with family traditions, rest from academic stress, and acknowledge the small moments that have carried them forward.
Gratitude has taken many forms across campus, from personal growth, supportive campus resources, to family and friends.
Pre-med student and embedded tutor at DESTINO, Lucia Cortez, shared that her gratitude this year comes from the available supportive academic spaces for students.
“I’m thankful for certain spaces here at this community college like Destino, which is a science research center for all students that need to go through courses that are somewhat difficult. (They can) find community there and people in positions who find resources for or help you with anything academic related to help you succeed in…majors like nursing, or pre-med, physics, etc,” Cortez said.
Student Christie Brooks expressed similar gratitude for the support she’s felt this semester.
“I’m thankful for the entire community here at LBCC, the friends that I’ve made, the classes I’ve been taking and all of the resources that they offer us. It makes me feel supported, encouraged,” said Brooks.
Student Jaden Jones said he’s grateful for the sense of community he’s found through the friendships he’s made.
“One thing I’m thankful for is friends, honestly, because I think community is really important, especially in the era where everybody wants to be so independent. I think it’s really important to have people around you that you know you can trust and you can always turn to in a time of need.” Jones said.
Along with academic support and friendships, students expressed appreciation for family members who push them to keep going. One student highlights that his daughter is at the heart of everything that he does.
“I’m thankful for my daughter because without her, I wouldn’t move one day at a time. Everything I do in life is for her,” said James Richardson.
During a season that often highlights service for others, student Drew Alaniz said he is grateful for those who dedicate their lives to helping others. Alaniz shared his appreciation specifically for first responders.
“I’m thankful for the first responders. I’m hoping to give back one day by becoming a first responder, firefighter, paramedic,” said Alaniz.
Student Arteries Nicholson shared that this year, she is grateful for her own transformation.
“I’m thankful for how much growth I’ve experienced in this last year. I’ve gone through so much that I thought I [wouldn’t] be able to reach. I’ve grown a lot, and I’m pretty established as a person and I’m happy,” Nicholson said.
Their reflections highlight resilience, gratitude and community spirit that thrive throughout LBCC, reminding us that even throughout the busy semester, there are always ways to find gratitude in the small things.
At LBCC, gratitude isn’t just a theme for the season; it’s a reminder for connections and support systems that carry students throughout the year.
