Let's be thankful

It goes without saying that most of us are grateful for many of the same things: family, friends, pets and good health. But I wanted to find some of the most atypical things people are thankful for. I found that little comforts, sentimental belongings, as well as considerations of larger issues in the world around us and fulfillment of personal needs, all were mentioned.

We, in University Communications, extend our warmest wishes to all for a well-deserved holiday break. May your kitchens be filled with the aroma of delicious baked goods and tasty treats. May you be surrounded by the people you love. And, …may others wash your dishes for you. For anyone not celebrating the holidays, may you enjoy much needed rest and relaxation.

Here are a few things our students and colleagues are thankful for:

"What are you thankful for?"

 "To be on the USI tennis team." -Caitlyn Martin, freshman early education major

 "My grandson to be born in January." -Michael Aakhus, dean of the College of Liberal Arts

"To have a job." -Scott Crane, custodian

"My new 50-inch 4K TV." -David Black, associate professor of radio and television

"The upcoming winter break." -Dr. Stephen Zehr, professor of sociology

"The Internet, because I can't live without Google." -Brian Helms, senior finance major

"Cold days and hot coffee." -Haley Hodges, junior computer science major

"Sugar, because I love it and I wouldn't have a job without it." -Amy Andrews, staff member at the Sweet Spot

 "The opportunity to get an education." -Darius Wilson, senior exercise science major

"My mother's sweet potato pie that she bakes every Thanksgiving." -Danielle Artis, senior administrative assistant, USI Foundation

"The awesome goodness of the fried chicken I had for lunch in The Loft today." -Linda Cleek, executive director of Lifelong Learning in Outreach and Engagement

"In many ways, given the world as it is - our country in particular, I'm thankful I never had children." -Matthew Graham, professor of English

"Hot showers." -Beth Henrickson, sophomore elementary education major

"Chapstick. All day, every day." -Laura Everest, senior graphic designer in Creative and Print Services

"Pizza, and cheese, winter recess and Harry Potter. Oh, and wine. I'm thankful for wine." -Andrea Sinnett, administrative associate, Outreach and Engagement

"The rain, because this time last year we had snow. I live in McLean County, Kentucky, and I hate driving in the snow to get to USI." -Terri Alvey, systems/web and computer technician, Library Services

"The USI faculty, and Academic Skills Center." -Charles Simpson, senior math teaching major

"Those who still teach common courtesy for others, for the kids in my neighborhood who said 'thank you' at Halloween, to those who hold the door open for me." -Sheree Seib, senior administrative associate, Provost's Office

"The ability to wake up every day." -Danielle Lynch, freshman undecided major

"That my husband is a great cook." -Al Holen, assistant professor of ceramics

"The quality of students that our program produces and knowing that they will be the future of our profession. More of an atypical thing for me would be the Mio drink additives, since it allows me to flavor my water and be able to transition away from soda as my drink of choice." -Heather Schmuck, clinical assistant professor of radiologic and imaging sciences

"Cherry Coke, tasty coffees and holiday music." -Britney Orth, assistant director of Student Conduct, Dean of Students Office

"My Tempur-Pedic bed." -Sydney Smith, sophomore elementary education major

"My titanium knees. Both of my knees are replaced, and I do not have the pain I used to have." -Arlene Fortune, coordinator of Academic Advisement, College of Liberal Arts

"My running shoes. They have been with me for hundreds of miles on sidewalks, roads, highways and trails where I have learned that I can do anything I set my mind to. There have been hours upon hours of meditation, therapy with friends, music, scenery and prayer. I have met new people, visited great cities, built new friendships and have learned lessons in patience and persistence… all in my running shoes." -Sally Gries, director of University and Community Relations

"The drain that was installed in the sidewalk between the Liberal Arts Center and Parking Lot J. Until this year, water puddled up on that sidewalk, and in the winter, often froze into a sheet of ice, causing those of us entering the building to risk a fall by taking a giant leap over the puddle, or walking through wet grass or mud to enter the lower level of our building. I'm thankful that Jim Wolfe and his team made the repair. Sometimes it is the little things, and I am thankful for this improvement." -Kathy Oeth, administrative associate, College of Liberal Arts