Thanksgiving is often seen as a holiday where people spend time with family, eat yummy, traditional foods, and most importantly, express their gratitude. Andrews’ Thanksgiving break is from Nov. 26-30 this year, with Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 27. Some students are going home, while others are staying on campus in anticipation of winter break in December. It can be difficult to see Thanksgiving as a break, as finals are right around the corner, but no matter where you are spending the day, who you are spending it with and what you are eating, it is important to take some time to reflect on what you are grateful for this Thanksgiving season.
As a soon-to-be graduate, I find myself reflecting on my years at Andrews, grateful for the opportunities I have had and the friendships I have made. God has given me more than I could ever ask for, and I know that He will continue to do so in the years to come. Continue reading to see what AU students and staff are thankful for this year. And remember to reflect on yourself: what are you grateful for?
“I am thankful for a good circle of friends who support and care for me. I am also thankful for the beautiful trees and scenery around Andrews campus. Finally, I am thankful for all the different opportunities I get to meet others on this campus and talk to them about Jesus.”
- Colin Browne, senior, psychology
“I'm really thankful recently for the people in my life who choose to invest in me. My family members, my coaches, my teachers (past and present) all have no benefit from putting time and energy into helping me be better and bringing me joy, yet they constantly show up for me and show me they care about my growth and happiness.”
- Fio Oudri, junior, health science
“I'm thankful for my Indonesian community here at Andrews, my family and my Andrews community! They mean the best, and I am so grateful! I'm also thankful for God and all the good He's done and the plans He has for my future. Praise God! He's also allowed me to be able to stay here at Andrews!”
- Matthew Mamesah, freshman, theology
“I’m thankful for God’s consistency even when life and people change, and for the people He’s placed in my path who remind me I’m not alone. I’m thankful for naps, DoorDash, the fact that I’m on a day-5 gym streak, and that I’m graduating in spring ‘26!”
- Nora Jean-Franquois, senior, psychology
“I’m thankful for all the friends I have made at Andrews and my family. I’m also thankful to be a part of two awesome teams: the AU Spirit Squad and the Cardinals Women’s Basketball Team.”
- Benjamin Fourny, sophomore, mechanical engineering
“I am thankful that this year has been eventful in positive ways. Even through the things that have been hard, or not preferred, we have done a good job finding ways of coming together to get through them. Just thankful overall for the community here, the ppl here, and the ability that we have to really tap into mission work and showcasing God in everything we do.”
- Dean Darius Bridges, Student Involvement and Leadership Activities (SILA) Coordinator
“This has been one of the hardest years of my life, but I’m thankful for the ability to appreciate the joyful moments that have dotted my path this year, including beautiful sunsets, spontaneous dance parties with my niece and nephew, meeting new people and exploring new places. Community has been so important this year, and I’m grateful for the kind souls that I’ve had the privilege to talk, laugh, eat, or walk around aimlessly with.”
- Kaara Harris, Assistant Professor, Journalism/Communication, Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.