By Sanjea Taylor, Contributing Writer
All around campus, the Thanksgiving preparations continue with various fun and interactive events that allow students to get a taste of Thanksgiving traditions before the special day, getting them in the mood of giving thanks.
One of these events is “Give Thanks”, hosted by the Campus Activities Board (CAB) that happened on Nov. 20. At this event, there were thank you cards that students would take and write various messages to their loved ones as a way to show gratitude and appreciation. Students were able to personalize and decorate these cards to then give them to various family members.
Andira Astwood, a senior majoring in business marketing and the CAB Traditional Chair, was able to discuss more about this creative event.
“The idea was to boost more engagement and to be able to cater to the theme of Thanksgiving and give back to those who do so much for us,” says Astwood.
During this event students were provided with the Thank You cards, markers, envelopes, and even stickers. All the materials the students needed were provided, allowing them to get creative and experiment with different colors and styles.
Students were also able to savor a sweet treat while making these decorations as they were provided with various cookies along with music, enjoying themselves while making these thoughtful gifts for their families.
This is not the first time this event has happened on campus, as it is a continuous event that happens every year. If students missed it this year and are interested in going, they can definitely do so next year.
“I’m the traditional chair, so I have to bring events that are going to be like a continuous tradition at Saint Leo,” said Astwood, which is why she chose to bring back “Give Thanks.”
“The event was pretty good. I had a good turnout, and people were engaging in the activity,” said Astwood.
Sadly, this event had to end early due to the weather and it being an outdoors activity. Even though this affected the amount of students that showed up, the event still got positive feedback from those who were able to attend.
“A few students told me it was a really good idea seeing that it’s Thanksgiving time. They enjoyed that they were able to give back to those who they’re thankful for,” said Astwood.
During this event many students shared what they wrote in their letters and what they were thankful for this year. Astwood also shared what was in her letter.
“In my letter, I was thankful for the opportunity to be in college, because I have one more semester left, and it was a very long journey for me to get here, so I’m very thankful that my parents were able to provide this opportunity for me,” said Astwood.
This event was an overall success. Despite the few changes that affected it, “Give Thanks” was still a fun way for students to share what they were thankful for this year while showing their family members gratitude. Many students can expect to see this fun event next year and plan things they can write in their letters next time.
