Thanksgiving in the United States kicks off the short but intense period when there seems to never be enough time to get everything done. Due dates for research papers loom scarily close. Final exam week, which used to be months in the future, are now just a few short weeks away. International flights need to be booked. Arrangements for winter break must be finalized. Gifts for friends and family are waiting to be purchased. And the list goes on and on and on.
For me personally, outside of my life at Castleton, there is the preparation at home for the holiday season (cleaning, decorating, shopping, wrapping, mailing, cooking, ordering, etc.), which just thinking about right now makes my pulse start racing and sets my head spinning. So before all of our lives get too busy, and the pace of life becomes too frenetic, and we are all-consumed by our impossible “To Do” lists, I want to pause just for a moment to say how grateful I am to Castleton’s international students, all 66 of you (or at least those who see this blog!). I am grateful to you for the diverse and rich experiences that you share with us in the ISO and all of us at Castleton. You bring immeasurable benefits to our community every day. I would be remiss if I didn’t say “thank you” because despite all the craziness that lies ahead, this is also the season of gratitude.
Happy and safe travels this Thanksgiving break.
With thanks, Debbie
