Before heading off to Thanksgiving break, the staff of The Rambler took a moment to reflect on what they are thankful for.
Dusty Burch: As Thanksgiving comes around, I realize that there is a countless amount of things and people I am grateful for. Though I could not possibly list each and every thing I am grateful for this Thanksgiving, I am ultimately the most thankful for my family. With endless support, love, and care, I could not ask for anything more of my family. When we get the entire family together to simply eat, talk, and catch up with ourselves, there is honestly nothing better to experience. With the family meal(s) comes the homemade mashed potatoes, which are always a must have that I have to express my gratitude for. Mashed potatoes, I’m coming for you.
David Estes: I am thankful for so many things in my life. I have had support and opportunities that many people would never dream of. My parents have provided me with endless opportunities and blessings. I often take things such as a home, bed, car, and food to eat for granted, but many people couldn’t dream of living as comfortable of a life as I do. As winter grows closer I start to thing more and more about the homeless. I am so thankful that I have a warm house and a bed to sleep in. I am thankful for a great family and great friends. They are always there for me and I never feel like I am alone because I have such a strong support group. I am extremely thankful for this, as many people are alone in the world and have no guidance. God has blessed me with a wonderful life and I am so thankful for this.
Jared Heidt: I am most thankful for my parents. They are the two people in my life who have supported me the most. My parents have enabled me to be who I am today, and continue to allow me to be the best person I can be. The continued sacrifices they make allow me to be the most prepared for my future. They have always done the little things in life for me which can easily go unnoticed. My parents are always the most supportive people in my life, willing to help me solve any problems I may face in life. In general, I would not be where I am today without my parents.
Pat Kelly: I am most thankful for my family. I am fortunate to have four siblings and two loving parents that have helped me grow and develop as a young man. Growing up with two older brothers was always fun, and they drove me to become better in whatever it was we were doing. My younger sister is an amazing person who teaches me new things every day. My family has been with me through thick and thin and have always supported me, which is why I am so thankful for them. Now that the boys are off at college, it makes the time of thanksgiving break that much better, because we can all spend some time together and enjoy a wonderful meal. I am very much looking forward to having the whole family together to share some laughs and food.
Stan Kinecki: This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my family and everyone who is in my life. Everyone and everything in my life is having a positive impact on my life and bring nothing but happiness and a positive mindset. I feel like I’m in a very good point in my life and I’m on the right track. I’m looking forward to this long relaxing vacation to spend with my family and see all my cousins again. Also, it gives us the opportunity to rest our minds as we have this time to do nothing but enjoy the company of our family.
Chris Oliver: During this special time of year there is so much to be thankful for. “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” God gives me great, amazing gifts all the time, and I hardly ever remember to say, “Thank you.” If I paid more attention to praising God and less attention to my problems, I’d be a lot more joyful person. I am truly thankful for my family, for supporting me and show guidance throughout my life. I’m thankful for my friends, the ones who have my back and I can call on when I’m down.

Ryan Rzepecki: With thanksgiving coming up it’s a good time to reflect on what I’m the most thankful for. The thing I’m most thankful for is my family and my friends. They are the very most important things in my life and always tend to be help me whenever I need something. Another thing I’m thankful for is being able to spend my break with them and enjoy all the amazing food. One last thing that I’m grateful for is my favorite football team, the Chicago Bears, trading for Khalil Mack.

Regan Schleicher: During this special time of year, it is time to think about who/what you are thankful for. When thinking about what I’m thankful for, I start thinking about who or what affects my life positively and supports me. This time of year should push you to start thinking about what you’re thankful for, but you should be thankful for things all year long. I am thankful for my close friends and all my family. A special thank you goes to my mom, my sister, my cousin Clint, my uncle Skip, Patrick Simmers, and Blake Simmers. These people have all provided support for me, through all the hardships of my life. I know I can rely on these people to successfully guide me in a positive way, my whole life. Through all of the good and bad times, these people have stuck by my side, helping me as much as they could along the way. As we approach Thanksgiving, it is time to think about who/what you are thankful for, and to start acting upon it.
DeMere Strickland: When I think about it, I have many things to be thankful for. Even though I may not enjoy it every day, I am thankful for the opportunity to go to this school so that I can be successful later on in my life. I’m also quite thankful for my mother who works very hard to support me and my sister. I’m also thankful for my sister, since if I was an only child it would be very boring. Even though we may not always see eye to eye, I’m happy that she is enjoying herself with the discovery of her newest passion, dancing. So overall, I’m quite thankful and content with all of the things in my life.
Keegan Welka: This Thanksgiving will be held very dearly to my heart, as it will be occurring during my senior year in high school. I can’t believe that I’m close to graduating, and I’m extremely thankful for my parents helping me get this far. Besides this, I’m especially thankful for the gifted group of journalists that have joined our ranks this year. Everyone has pulled their weight, and we also know how to keep things fun and interesting. I’m hopeful that journalism will continue to hold its appeal for the upcoming classes, and I’m thankful for any legacy our class will be able to leave behind.
Robbie Wierbinski: Thanksgiving is just around the corner and keeping that in mind, keeping things what you’re thankful for is always good. I usually spend time with my family and go to my grandmother’s. I am thankful for having a loving family. When we go to my grandmother’s, my cousins, aunts and uncles come to eat, and it great to have family all around you. I have a big family so it’s a pretty big get together. People often forget what they have and remembering the things you are grateful for is good. Having food every night, a good education, a roof over your head are just some things that people look past every day. Not everyone has these things so you have to cherish
each and every one of them.