It’s the beloved time of year when every test falls on a Monday, due dates for big projects suddenly aren’t as far out as you thought they were and stress levels rise just as much as motivation falls. However, there is a silver lining in the midst of the apparent drudgery: Thanksgiving Break.
The five-day hiatus from classes has always been pleasantly received by both students and staff who are looking for the much-needed break at this time of year. On top of the rest that comes with the season, Northwestern’s foliage can be seen in various shades of red, orange and yellow, bringing a fresh look to your regular walk across campus. This year brings even more excitement as the Red Raider volleyball and football teams head into their post-season tournaments. But how are students to celebrate the holiday with friends when they’re not on campus? What will students do to celebrate who are staying on campus?
If you’re bummed about not being able to feast on turkey and pie with your friends this year, hopefully you were able to share in the meal with peers during Cafsgiving on Thursday, Nov. 18. But perhaps it could more appropriately have been named Four-Courts-giving.
“Cafsgiving has turned into our biggest event, and it has outgrown the cafe. We wanted everyone to enjoy the wonderful food and company of their fellow students. The four-court area was large enough to have everyone eat and enjoy the Thanksgiving feast,” said food service director, Barry Schroeter.
At the meal, students enjoyed a menu of various carved meats, traditional Thanksgiving sides such as mashed potatoes and a decadent dessert bar consisting of assorted pies. And of course, dinner rolls as far as the eye could see. It’s hard not to love Cafsgiving, just ask senior softball-stud Jen Boeve. “Cafsgiving is probably the best meal they could ever have. I gear up for that day just like I get ready on gameday.”
However, junior Nick VanRijs does not share the same enthusiasm as Boeve.
“I always look forward to Thanksgiving at the Caf and get really excited, but inevitably get let down,” VanRijs said. “But I guess it’s really all about the thrill and the rollercoaster of emotions, am I right?”
Those who are staying on campus are looking forward to time spent not going to class, catching up with friends and finding host families for the holiday itself.
“There are two RAs on duty for Thanksgiving break in Steg so I plan on splitting the break in half with Emily Kraft,” Stegenga resident assistant, Madie Harre, said. “For one half I will be heading home and the other half I will be chilling in the dorms and maybe spending some time with friends who live in town along with the residents who are staying on campus for the break as well. Emily will be on-duty for Thanksgiving Day itself, and I’m really grateful for her willingness to fill in so I can spend the day with family.”
Senior and California native, Bri Giordano, will also be staying on campus for Thanksgiving.
“I plan on doing homework, catching up on sleep and spending time with my host family,” Giordano said. “I’ll be there on Thanksgiving Day for sure and will get to spend time hanging with them and their kids, so I’m really looking forward to that.”
After perhaps too many servings of stuffing and countless football games, students will return to campus on Monday, Nov. 22 for two weeks of class before heading into finals. Hopefully, the break will provide the much-needed rest, recovery and stamina before the last big push of the semester. Stay strong, Raiders, and enjoy your Thanksgiving Break.
