By Alina Rezepova, Staff Writer
For most people, Thanksgiving is associated with a large family dinner, cooking a turkey, and strengthening relationships by spending a warm evening with loved ones. But what does this holiday look like for students who are away from home and unable to return to their families?
Student life, especially when you are far from home, may seem exciting and intriguing. However, some students may experience loneliness, homesickness, and even stress during holidays. Thanksgiving is no exception.
Despite the challenges, students are finding creative ways to make Thanksgiving break a cozy, warm experience, even when away from home.
“For me, a holiday means spending time with my family and friends. It is a chance to relax, forget about school, and enjoy simple moments together. I love having peaceful days, talking, laughing, and making memories with the people I care about,” said Deren Ozel, a sophomore majoring in marketing.
Saint Leo University has many international students and students from other states who do not have the opportunity to travel home for the holiday break.
“Saint Leo could make Thanksgiving feel warmer and more inclusive by organizing a community dinner where students, staff, and faculty can celebrate together. They could include dishes from different cultures, so everyone feels represented and welcomed,” said Ozel.
For those students, whose traditions are not related to American holidays, spending Thanksgiving on campus may be less enjoyable.
“In my country, we do not celebrate Thanksgiving. During Thanksgiving break, I always stay on campus, and being in an empty university can be very boring,” said Sezim Sharshenalieva, a sophomore majoring in marketing.
To improve the atmosphere during Thanksgiving break, the university needs to focus on the students who stay on campus.
“Set the table like a family does or organize captivating events so that students who are away from their families during the holiday feel important and part of the Saint Leo community,” said Sharshenalieva.
Resident Assistants (RAs) who stay on campus during Thanksgiving break could organize small events for students to celebrate Thanksgiving.
“Residence Life should pay more attention to organizing events in honor of Thanksgiving. We can organize special events and dinners for those who cannot go home,” said Jamari Spence, a freshman majoring in nursing and an office assistant who works in Residence Life.
A beneficial option would be to involve the Dining Hall in creating a sense of community and belonging for those students who remain on campus.
“The Dining Hall can be decorated with holiday decorations to create a homey atmosphere; add elements that remind students of Thanksgiving, and foster a sense of community,” said Spence.
(Photo was taken from Instagram @saintleodiningservices)
Creating events such as cultural dinners and creative activities can help create a friendly and familial atmosphere, especially for those who are celebrating their first holiday away from home.
“Small activities like sharing gratitude notes, music, or games can help create a friendly and family-like atmosphere for those who stay on campus,” said Ozel.
The university should plan an entertainment program for students who stay on campus so they can feel grateful and support each other.
In this way, Saint Leo can become a second home for students, filled with care and comfort, even if the usual Thanksgiving celebration is not available.
Thanksgiving on the campus of Saint Leo can be a new experience. It can be a time when students learn to appreciate simple joys, create memories together, and understand that even when they are away from their families, they can still celebrate with warmth, care, and attention to each other.
