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By Katie Hayden
On Thursday, November 16th, the McConnell Center celebrated its 10th annual “Thinksgiving,” a McHoliday loved by every scholar. During Thinksgiving, we gather as a McConnell family to give thanks for “thinks” we are thankful for thinking. We laugh, cry, and reflect on the many lessons we have learned or ideas we have had over the past year. With this being my fourth and final Thinksgiving, I found myself reflecting not only on the thoughts I was thankful for thinking but also on those everyone else shared. I was blown away by the lessons my friends shared and found myself feeling most thankful that I have the privilege of surrounding myself with such wonderful people.
This year, I am thankful for Macy and Camryn who reminded me to be intentional in saying “yes” and that “no” is not a dirty word. I’m thankful to Joe and Karmyn for reminding me that it’s okay to get away from my “five year plan” and take the road less traveled. I’m thankful for Shelby and Grant for encouraging me to remember to take time to find things that bring me peace. Like Kara Beth, Seth, Jillian, and Emilia, I too am thankful for the people within the McConnell Center who allow me to be myself at all times. I am thankful to be surrounded with people like Piper who reminded me of the importance of truly listening to others and Emily who reminded me that I am stronger than I think I am.
Thank you Bradfield and Alli for reminding me of how much I love getting lost in a good book and to Kathleen for reminding me to be thankful for my mistakes and the lessons they have taught me. Thank you Robel for reminding me not to take things too seriously and to Dillon for the reminder of the value of life. Thank you to Riley for sharing a glimpse of your past self with us and for the reminder that, regardless of how challenging things may seem right now, everything will be okay.
I am thankful for Greta who reminded me to take advantage of every second because time is precious and for Bryson who reminded me to think like a goldfish (and I am extra thankful for Greta, Bryson, and Yelena because they are always willing to split a dessert charcuterie board so we can all taste test them all.)
Thank you to Dr. Gregg for reminding me to give more love than I think others deserve, to Megan for reminding me that it is always so sweet to come back home, and to Jessica for reminding me of the value of family, whether it be blood-relatives or family who we choose.
In the wise words of Jacob Crowley, I too “had no idea what the heck I was getting myself into” when I accepted my McConnell Scholarship, but I could not be more thankful for the people it has brought me, the lessons it has taught me, the trips I have experienced, seminars I have participated in and learned from, and the endless memories it has allowed to me to share with my McFamily. While I am holding on to every second I have left in the Program, as Caleb said, “Cheers to one more semester.”