2020 has been a difficult year for many, and is expected to remain so as the COVID-19 pandemic continues into the holiday season. But as Thanksgiving approaches this week, many people are taking stock in what they’re grateful for in their lives.
The fall semester has been anything but typical, and this year’s Thanksgiving celebrations will look different than in years past, yet members of the Case Western Reserve University community have found silver linings. We asked them to reflect on what they’re most grateful for this year and they shared their appreciation for their support systems, for their health (and that of those they love), and for each other.
This is what they told us.
“I am thankful for those people this year who have reached out to just check in on me or my family in order to see how we are doing in a time of uncertainty. The people who were not making an ask of me, but rather just thinking about me. Knowing that someone is concerned about your well-being is incredibly powerful. Thank you!” —Philip Cola, faculty
“I’m thankful for my ability to live off campus and come to work, and the effort my professors are putting in to try and give us the full class experience.” —Maryann Veyon, student
“To be alive and healthy. To have a few good friends and devoted family who are my support network throughout this difficult year. For this challenging year to be ending soon.” —Anna Frolova-Levi, staff
“I’m thankful that our democracy held.” —Jeremy Bendik-Keymer, faculty
“I am blessed to personally hear—for the first time—my 4-month-old grandson’s laugh. I am grateful for seeing a bee nestled inside one of three yellow roses in bloom in the middle of November. I am thankful for being presented with an autumn-colored fox crossing my path at the park. There are so many reasons to be thankful: good health, family and friends, employment, and so much more. But sometimes it’s just finding beauty in the small, unexpected ‘gifts’ that give us a reason to feel that warm glow inside.” —Larimee Cortnik, staff
“I give thanks to CWRU for helping me make memories by giving freshmen the opportunity to live on-campus.” —Skanda Moorthy, student
“I am thankful for my family and friends, without them this time would have been much more difficult.” —Meira Farhi, student
“I am thankful to have a supportive network of friends and family. These times have been challenging for everyone, and it made me realize what supportive people I have surrounding me.” —Lindsey Ho, student
“I am thankful for the support systems I have in my life.” —Ilana Levy, student
“This Thanksgiving I’m thankful for my friends and family. Even though this year has been confusing and difficult, they supported me and always managed to put a smile on my face.” —Aleksandra Dunjic, student
“I’m thankful for family and friends that have been so willing to keep me company virtually throughout the pandemic!” —Maddie McKenna, student
“This Thanksgiving I am thankful for having the energy to get out of bed every morning. To be able to love family and friends. This year I am thankful for having hope, even though at times it felt like all was lost. The year 2020 was not for the weak-hearted. In fact, it has taught me many things—things I will carry with me and teach my children. Being thankful, now that’s just an understatement.” —Andrew Saliba, faculty
“Family.” —Sydney Stone, student
“Im thankful for the health of my family, friends, and all my loved ones. Health is very important in a time like this.” —Grace Bratter, student
“I’m thankful to be part of such a great team at [U]Tech [Teaching and Learning Technologies]. I work with dedicated, knowledgeable, caring people who took on a lot this year and have done a fantastic job for the university. This team challenges me to do my best, and I’m so glad that I got to join it this year.” —Rick Jennings, staff
“I am thankful for all of my family and friends. They have been an amazing support structure during this pandemic and I am grateful to have them in my life.” —Katherine Glaess, student
“Thanks to my parents for supporting me all the time. Thanks to my dog for bringing joy to my family. Thanks to my classmates, working with you is so enjoyable. Thank you to my professors for making the class so lively although we meet virtually.” —Anyi Zhao, student
“Many thanks to all those staff who helped keep frequent touch-points germ free within the Department of Physiology and Biophysics. Also much appreciation for all the [custodial staff members] who helped keep the bathrooms and garbage cans clean around the university!” —Ling Xu, student
“At the ripe old age of 80 I am thankful to still be here,and with a great family!” —Phillip E. Peck, alumnus