What are you thankful for?

In early November, the International Student and Scholar Services team hosted its annual Thanksgiving meal in the Hall of Presidents. The event brought together over 200 international students and faculty and their families and friends for a shared evening of activities and a traditional thanksgiving meal, including turkey!

Thanksgiving is a U.S. holiday centered on bringing people together and sharing what they’re thankful for. Since gratitude and togetherness are widely shared values that exist in many cultures, Thanksgiving can feel familiar to people from diverse backgrounds. The addition of a shared meal creates a unique experience for our international community to feel welcome both in the U.S. and especially at JMU.

We asked several attendees what they were thankful for, and here is what they said:

Alex (international student) – “I’m thankful for the friends that I’ve made this last year. We’ve made a lot of memories together and they’ve made my stay at JMU so much better.”

Enzo (international student) – “What I’m thankful for this year is to be able to cultivate my relationships with my colleagues and folks here at CGE. I’m very happy to be here!”

Art (international staff) – “Today I’m grateful for my students.”

Ezekiel (international student) – “I’m grateful for life”

Salman (international staff)  – “I’m very much thankful for the JMU community and what they’ve given, not just to the city, but also to the people who are part of this community.”