With Thanksgiving just over a week away, turkeys are taking over campus once more as the days become shorter and much cooler. This uptick in turkey sightings means there is no better time to pause between assignments and reflect on all the privileges we have in life (and steer clear of their violent pecks).
Here at Fairfield University, there is plenty to be thankful for. From Wi-Fi that sometimes works, to typically tenaciously moving coffee lines and finding the occasional open parking spot (from the hours of 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.) there are many reasons why Stags call Fairfield their home away from home!
Fast Wi-Fi
It was the night before registration, and all through the dorm, not a student was sleeping, as there was no calm before this storm. Alarm blaring at 6:30 a.m. on a random weekday is not always the best way to start off your morning. Especially when you have to quadruple check your schedule in Workday before pulling up a website with a clock that has the seconds and milliseconds on view. Though, the fear of not getting into one of the two sections of a major class needed to graduate is not the only thing creating a whirlwind of emotion, the fear of slow Wi-Fi causes students to migrate in the cold dark to buildings they hope will stay empty of fellow classmates as they each hope to find the quickest moving internet. While most of the time this isn’t the case, as even myself has been met with a large loading screen leaving me with no choice but to add a new minor to have the option to take classes, most of Fairfield University has some fast (ish) moving Wi-Fi. At least this year, the Wi-Fi will be landing a spot on Santa’s nice list.
Parking
With what seems to be 10 cars per one parking spot on campus, there is no better feeling than landing a spot right in front of your destination, more specifically your dorm/townhouse late at night when it’s cold and rainy. Entering your car past the hour of 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday often means you are going into battle when you get back to find parking that is not half way across campus. From people cutting you off to camping spots they think will be open, there is no remorse out there. On the off chance that there is a spot, it feels like the semester is made, especially if you are returning from a grocery run and want to bring all the bags back in one trip.
The Lint Trap Being Empty
Nothing is more obnoxious than lugging your laundry to the laundry room (especially if you have to walk outside when living in Claver and the Townhouses), and finding all the washers and dryers being used. Well, maybe one thing. When you finally win the war of finding an open machine and the lint trapper is full to the brim with other peoples hair and dust, totally gross! So it feels like a small miracle when you finally haul all of your wet laundry into the dryer and see that someone has cleaned it out for you. For those who do clean out the lint trapper after using, I hope you get first pick at the Thanksgiving table this year!
Sweet Treat Lane
Who doesn’t love treating themselves to a nice coffee or sweet treat after hours of grueling end of year projects and study sessions? The worst feeling is finally allowing yourself to head over to your favorite spot on campus and finding the line wrapped around the corner. It often feels like everyone gets the same idea at the same time. Though, when you catch the lines at Dunkin’, Pete’s, Starbucks or even the Tully at the right time, walking right to the front and grabbing that energy and, more importantly, morale booster can certainly change your day for the better. An added extra day saver is finding out you have dining dollars left over so close to the end of the year, meaning that you can have a sweet treat spending spree!
Canva Coming in Clutch
No matter the task, projects, slideshows, videos, social media posts and even more, Canva will always have your back. Yes there is Indesign, Word and Adobe, but nothing is as smooth, quick and creative as Canva. It has everything you need, when you need it and would never crash on Tuesday afternoon while trying to send the newest Mirror issue to print! I have found myself turning to Canva when doing most schoolwork, and having fun while doing it! Which is crazy, as I don’t think I ever thought I would be excited to give presentations in class!
In reality, there are many things I am thankful for this turkey-day season. From incredible friends and family to having access to food and water, it is important to remind ourselves of all of the amazing things in our lives, and the privileges we can be thankful for! This season, make sure to take time to reflect and enjoy the quiet moments in life. Happy Thanksgiving!