Yes, the University’s football team is no longer undefeated and construction around campus is constantly a hassle, but experiencing these “tragedies” is a simple reminder that while we all have different reasons to be thankful, we can all agree that we are lucky to attend this University.

Whether it may be for scholastics or the pure joy of socialization, there is always a place for everyone here in Champaign-Urbana and a reason to be appreciative.

Veronica Gay, junior in AHS, is currently a softball player here at the University and she is thankful to be a part of such a wonderful team that provides a family-oriented atmosphere with coaches that truly care about their teams’ successes. While strolling around campus it is often noticed that each grade level has something different to be grateful for: the freshmen are pleased if they can simply navigate themselves around a new campus, sophomores are often taking on new responsibilities, and hopeful to gain some credibility at the University.

The upperclassmen are fortunate to be receiving internships (after a rather grueling application process), and the seniors are pleased to be ending their career here, as the super seniors pray this is their last time around.

Throughout the year it is quite easy to forget the little things we all enjoy so much during our day that make exams seem less treacherous, and Monday mornings more enjoyable. Living at Bromley Hall, food choices are often limited. When we see the ice cream station up and running, it easily puts a smile on our faces — because honestly, who doesn’t love ice cream?

Or on those rainy days when the wind is practically unbearable and walking all the way to the Engineering Quad seems rather impossible, you are informed your professor has been attacked by a squirrel for the third time this week and will be cancelling class in order to regain composure. Bushy-tailed monsters wreaking havoc on a professor is not exactly ideal, but not having to journey through a monsoon is always a bonus.

While many of us are happy to have health and a loving family, after a strenuous week of exams we sometimes just need to wear the orange and blue to remind us there is always a reason to put a smile on our face. Whether it may be the Monday morning coffee smell as you walk past Starbucks on the way to class, or even “the white tip on candy corn,” as said by Eric Defend, sophomore at Parkland College, it truly is the simple things in life we all are thankful for.

_Christen is a freshman in Media._