As Thanksgiving break approaches, students are taking time to celebrate the season with gratitude here on campus. With cozy Friendsgivings and end-of-semester events, many are finding ways to slow down and connect before heading home for the holidays.
Source: Caroline Davino, Staff Writer and Photographer
Sophomore Lucia Cuffari said she loves how close everyone feels during the holidays.
“I love how everyone at SHU really leans into the holidays,” Cuffari said. “Campus feels warm and connected, and even though we’re all stressed with work, people still make time to be together.”
She said celebrating Thanksgiving at school feels like creating her own version of home.
“This year at SHU, I’m celebrating Thanksgiving in the most college way possible— getting dressed up with my friends, going out to dinner, and making it feel special even though we’re not home,” said Cuffari. “We’re all decorating and trying to make our space cozy and festive, and honestly, that’s half the fun.”
Cuffari said the best part of celebrating on campus is the students we surround ourselves with.
“When you’re away from home, your friends basically become your family,” said Cuffari. “Having people who check up on you, cook with you, and make everything fun means a lot.”
Freshman Leah Caliendo is experiencing her first college Thanksgiving and said this year already feels more meaningful.
“This year it will be different since all of our lives have changed since being away at college for the first time, so I can imagine this upcoming Friendsgiving will be much more meaningful,” said Caliendo.
Caliendo said she plans to attend the end-of-semester dinner and formal for her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, which happens just before the break.
“They’re not directly tied to Thanksgiving, but they do fall right before Thanksgiving, so I can see it counting as a Thanksgiving gathering,” said Caliendo. “Events like Friendsgiving help people feel more connected before break because they create a sense of community and belonging outside of a family.”
Senior Isabel O’Connell reflected on what Thanksgiving means now that she’s nearing the end of her college experience.
“Thanksgiving to me is a designated time to spend with my loved ones,” said O’Connell. “While I’m at school, it means even more because I don’t get to see my immediate family every day like I would at home.”
She said Friendsgiving on campus takes on a special kind of meaning.
“When you go off to college, it’s the first time you really get to pick who you want in your life, which helps make Friendsgiving on campus so special,” said O’Connell.
Senior Kim McKenna said this is her first Friendsgiving at SHU, and it already feels just as meaningful as celebrating at home.
“While being at school, I am able to have Friendsgiving with some of my friends that became my family here,” said McKenna. “Celebrating with my friends versus family is just as meaningful to me.”
Across campus, students said the spirit of Thanksgiving at SHU is all about connection and appreciation. It is finding time to celebrate the people who make college feel like home.
“Everyone comes from different backgrounds,” said Caliendo. “But events and traditions bring everyone closer together, making the campus feel like a second home.”
