After opening an email from my AC, I was pleased to see the request: “Tweet what you’re thankful for in regards to Roanoke College.” This works out for multiple reasons. Well, it fits in perfectly with my November Project and I now have an excuse to come up with more than one reason.
I guess I should start with the first: home. I went to Last Lecture with President Maxey and I asked him if he could describe in one word what Roanoke College meant to him. He said, “dear.” Perfect. And totally sweet. When asked what my word would be, I thought for a bit before responding with, “home.” It’s true. It’s why I came here in the first place. Even as a junior in high school, when I was touring colleges all over, I always felt a sense of home at RC. That hasn’t changed.
So, for number two: the students. One of the many benefits of going to a small school is that there is always a smiling face ready to brighten your day. You pass somebody and they say hello. Whether they know you or not, really. Because even if you don’t know each other on a personal level, you have probably encountered one another at some point.
Number three: the Area Coordinators. Seriously, these guys are probably the most worked, most underrated people on campus. They do not get the recognition they deserve. They keep our campus running. They literally eat, sleep, and breathe Roanoke College. So- Nicole, Kody, Kristin, and Meghan: a huge thanks to you guys. We wouldn’t function as a college without all of your hard work.
Number four: our campus! This is perhaps one of the most beautiful colleges in the US and Princeton Review agrees! I know you’ve seen the big banners around campus. They are proudly displayed, as they should be! I have been all around the world and one of my favorite places is still Roanoke College during the fall.
Number five: bowties. Ask anyone who has graduated from or attended Roanoke College in the past five years what a quintessential RC accessory is and you’re going to be told, “bowties.” We love our bowties. Any color, any pattern, any animal print. If it’s a bowtie, wear it. If you’re a boy, that is. Our President made them famous here and now they're stuck.
Number six: our awesome chefs! These guys work like crazy too. One of my favorite people here is Chef Matt. He will literally do anything you ask. I’m a complicated one, I will admit that. I am gluten intolerant, have a mushroom allergy, and I’m lactose intolerant. Though, I take the pain with the lactose. There is no way I am giving up cheese. Get out of here. Anyway, these guys rock. They work longer hours than most people on campus and they always do it with a smile on their face. Another thanks for the cavern staff dealing with that fact that I routinely write down a random name on my order, purely for my entertainment. F. Scott Fitzgerald? Ernest Hemingway, anyone? Pigeon? Yes that happened- I wrote that on my bag once. I also especially love the cavern lady who says, “Here you go baby girl” every time I pick up my food. Although, James the Cavern Man is really starting to grate my nerves by calling me “that neurotic girl.” (Only because I know he makes a valid point…)
Number seven: campus safety! True, they write you up- and they have definitely written me up before. But that’s our fault, not theirs. They have one priority: our safety. They are wonderful. I was so thankful to the officer who let me into Olin at 2 am so I could print out my 15 copies of a short story for my CW class. He sat with me the whole time and then made sure I got back to my dorm safely. They are so sweet and definitely some of the coolest people on campus. I still miss Randy though. Lets be real.
I’ve already done a post this month about being thankful for my professors, but I will say it again. They are the best.
I could easily spend over an hour writing out what I am thankful for in regards to RC but I guess I will stop it here. My hand is starting to hurt from typing at a desk (screw getting old) and I still have to read some deontological philosophy. What the heck is that, anyway? I still don’t know.
