Happy Thanksgiving, Vikes

This Thanksgiving the Cauldron staff shared what they are thankful for. 

Hannah Gates — Editor in Chief 

I’m thankful first for my relationship with Jesus Christ. Everything in my life has meaning because of Him, and any purpose I have comes from that foundation. I’m also thankful for my fiancé, my friends, and my Cauldron team. This season of my life has been full of major transitions, and having people who bring joy, stability, and encouragement has meant more than I can explain. I’m grateful that I know my calling. It’s a blessing to wake up and feel led toward work that is not just about money or status but something I would do freely because I believe in it. That sense of purpose is one of the greatest gifts I

Julia Srnec – Managing Editor

This year I am infinitely grateful for my roommates. They have supported me through the ups and downs of life, school and work. From freshman year when all four of us first shared a class, to my senior year now, they have been there for me in times of both stress and celebration. Our roommate dinners, late nights studying on the couch and weekends exploring the city have been the highlight of my college experience

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Olivia Stein – Marketing Executive 

I am grateful this year for my friends and family. If I didn’t have them in my life, I would not have gotten this far in my journey. They have inspired me to grow as a person and an individual and encouraged me in all of my decisions. Through roommate changes, friendship fallouts, and a major switch, I have been able to rely on my true friends and my family for support. 

Gina Goggins — Multimedia Feature Journalist

I am grateful this year for my family and continued learning. I’m grateful for all the opportunities this year to learn and grow in many aspects of my life, and I’m thankful for my family for always being there. 

Makenna Hughmanic — News Journalist

I am thankful for my friends and family and their continued love and support throughout my life, through the light and the darkness, the good and the bad. Spending time with my loved ones makes me smile 🙂

Ele Solovyov – Feature Journalist

I am most thankful for my close friends who have and will always be there for me through everything that may occur. I love them all so dearly and couldn’t imagine where I would be without them. I have always felt supported and cared for, and I couldn’t ask for better people to surround myself with. 

Mays Turabi – News Editor

I am especially thankful for my parents, siblings, and partner, who make up the greatest support system and source of love in my life. I am also indebted to my craft, as a writer and student journalist. Writing is simultaneously an act of justice and of self-care. For this, I am full of gratitude.

Kateryna Kopylchak – Feature Editor 

I’m thankful for my family and friends, the people who are always by my side and never leave me, even when life gets heavy. I’m grateful for all the moments life gives me, the good ones and the bad ones, because they still teach me something. 

EveLynne Bruening – Arts & Entertainment Editor 

I’m thankful for my friends (Katie and Swati) and my family. Especially my parents, grandparents, and brothers. They always offer me unwavering support and I work my hardest everyday in the hopes of making them proud. I’m also grateful for my partner and how his motivational and creative spirit helps push me forward when I’m running on zero. My awesome coworkers at The Cauldron are total rockstars too. Most of all, I’m thankful for life. It’s easy to take life for granted with all the things we worry and stress ourselves about, but waking up every morning is an incredible blessing. I choose to be thankful that I’ve made it this far; for the ones we’ve lost, I live everyday grateful that I ever had the pleasure of knowing them. 

Cory Conrad- Arts and Entertainment Journalist 

I am so incredibly grateful for my amazing girlfriend who has stood by my side through many ups and downs. She is my rock, my best friend and my entire heart. I am also thankful for waking up every morning in a warm bed with food on my plate. I am thankful for the little things like a stranger holding the door or a warm sunny day. I am so thankful for my amazing Cauldron team who are amazing writers and creators. I am truly blessed to be a part of this student newspaper.

Derek Williams – Sports Journalist

I am thankful to have made it to the age of 21. There are many times my life could have ended and yet the lord did not call me home. I am thankful for every single step I have had the privilege of taking in safety, and in comfort. I am thankful for the many people around me who have helped to make me a more focused student and a more confident person. I am thankful that my parents and siblings, who irritate me every single day yet never forget to say “I love you” at the end of whatever conversation we have. I am thankful to have been introduced to The Cauldron and to have learned so much about the media world from such experienced people. And I am thankful for the calming quiet at the end of my night between myself and god.

Taylor Lucas – Graphic Designer

I’m truly grateful for the people I’ve had the chance to meet, learn alongside and grow with in The Cauldron. The meetings, memories, shared moments and fun with everyone are what make this experience so meaningful and something I always look forward to. By being the Graphic Designer, I’m also incredibly thankful for the opportunity to reflect on how far the newspaper has come, and to see how each team member has brought their own unique strengths that make it shine. The pace of work and commitment is something I haven’t experienced before, I’m thankful for the lessons I’ve gained and for learning how to adapt along the way. This experience has shown me how quickly things can shift (new facts, directions, challenges) and how important it is to keep moving forward. Because of this team, that mindset has truly stuck with me. Thank you Team!

Brandon Rush – Multimedia 

I am grateful to be able to be a college student and studying towards my dreams and passions as an adult and to be allowed the space to bring my creativity into a team of other creators. I’ve struggled with being confident in who I am as a member of society and to be able to be encouraged to bring my ideas to the table is a very good feeling. I am also thankful for my family being here to support me, and for my partner who always has my back. I have gone through a lot in the beginning of my adult life and to be on the other side stronger than ever is all I could ever ask for. Thank you to the team here at The Cauldron for bringing me along. I am very excited to work together!