Thanksgiving break is creeping up quickly, and as a much-needed break in between classes, clubs, and all sorts of stress-inducing work, Student Development’s monthly Story Space took place at the Multicultural Center last Wednesday the 13. The event had a solid turnout with many students showing up, having heard of the event through OspreyHub, TV advertising, posters, and other channels. Many of the students were regular attendees of Story Space, with a few new faces to welcome. This Space was, of course, about gratitude, fitting for the Thanksgiving theme.

Students happily ate free pizza with drinks as they listened to one another’s stories and dedications to people and events in their lives that they felt grateful for. Many students gave thanks to their families, friends, and other loved ones who have supported them through their journey at Stockton and other accomplishments. Va Lee, when thanking his family, specified, “[not just my] blood family, but my college family. All the friends I’ve made here, it’s something I’m very grateful for […] For example, the Stockton Horror Society, which did a trip this past weekend.” Lee fondly said, “It was so amazing to see how everyone was having so much fun. That’s all I can ever have; just seeing a smile on someone’s face is something I’m thankful for. Just the smallest ‘hi’, to a hug, to someone helping out, is the greatest thing anyone can get.” He then advised: “To everyone here: be thankful for yourself, too. You’re here, you’re breathing, you’re living, you’re enjoying life for a reason. Cherish every moment — the moment you wake up, the moment you go to sleep. I’m thankful for that; I hope everyone’s thankful for that, as well.”

One student said, “I’m thankful for my flaws because each time you make a mistake, you learn from them. I think that’s the best way we can learn.” One of the members of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc. stated that she was thankful for her “time at Stockton, since it’s coming to an end; and my organization. Without those things, I wouldn’t have the experiences that I am currently experiencing.”

Another student, Antonio ‘Tony’ Castro, concluded with his story, stating, “I’m thankful for God this year,” met with finger snaps and nods of agreement from the other attendees. “I feel like I’ve always struggled with faith and my religion, but luckily, this year, I’ve worked on that. I’ve been building on it and praying. Something I’ve been praying for this semester was patience. You can’t get something just to get it; you’ve got to earn it.” Castro is a Freshman RA and President of the Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc., having reached both accomplishments by practicing patience throughout his time at Stockton. “I’m thankful for that this year because [God] had a plan for what I was going to do, and it’s executed,” Castro concluded.

Be sure to look out for the next Story Space, which will be hosted on December 4 at 5pm in the Multicultural Center. This final Story Space of the semester will be holiday-themed.