Things that we are grateful for this Thanksgiving

This year has been a whirlwind of events. From the pandemic, the black lives matter movement, the climate change crisis, and so much more. Humanity as a whole has been impacted in some way or another. We came across this article called “12 Often Overlooked Things To Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving” that inspired us to self-reflect on the things that we are truly grateful for and we encourage you to do the same.

My health 

“Considering the current pandemic underway, I’m especially grateful for the health of myself and those closest to me. My thoughts and well wishes are with those who have personally been affected by COVID-19. I am also so appreciative of the essential workers (including both of my parents) who have braved the unknown and to those who are continuously working to serve our community. I applaud our professors, teaching assistants, faculty and staff for their efforts in making the online transition as seamless as possible and for being pillars of support to us during this time. I wish nothing but health and strength to our Ontario Tech community this Thanksgiving as we navigate this pandemic together. ”

My family

“My family loves me unconditionally and supports me. They are my biggest cheerleaders and the reason why I live, love, and laugh. We have so many great memories together! I hope you are able to spend time with your loved ones this reading week. 

- Fatima Bah, Fourth Year, Life Sciences

My online community

“When everything moved online, I thought I was going to lose all social connections but I was wrong. I was able to connect with so many people and expand my social network. I am grateful for the community I was able to build in the virtual world through clubs, societies, and discord. Being in front of a screen all day has been emotionally and physically draining but having people to talk to who are going through the same experience has made this transition easier.”

- Angelique Dack, Third Year, Political Science

My friends

“Ever since the pandemic started, it was hard because I could never see my friends. As restrictions slowly decreased, I was able to start seeing them while socially distancing. Keeping contact with my friends during the months of quarantine were important because I never felt alone. I always knew I had people to support and love me and I am extremely grateful for having them in my life. Seeing them even once a month or so, makes me feel better because I am able to talk and express myself with them. Having friends doesn’t always mean you see them every day, it means you always have someone that has your back and to spend time with.”

- Elnaz Delavari, Second Year, Health Science

Each new day I wake up in

“I often get hung up on the tiny road bumps in life. I obsess over them and they often consume me. However, I’ve begun to be more intentional with appreciating all the small gifts life brings with each day. Getting to wake up in the morning is something I am truly grateful for. Many people didn’t get the opportunity to start another day, but I did. I think everyone should take a small pause each morning and be grateful for this. Instead of dwelling on all of the work that needs to be done today or obsessing over aspects of your life that you can’t control. Start to view each new day as an opportunity and a gift. Every new day we wake up in is a new day to do something great, to be kind to someone or spend time with the ones we love. Being alive is often something we overlook until something happens to us that makes us realise that life could be taken away at any moment from anyone. This is something I realized during the pandemic. Every day since I’ve been grateful to wake up and get to see the sun another day.  Life is beautiful.”

- Madison Haynes, Fourth Year, Marketing Major