by Ella Brown
As you all know, we have so many fun and quirky traditions here at OBU. After interviewing some students and staff, I gathered some of their favorite Thanksgiving memories from here at OBU! From social group activities, housing parties, Friendsgiving, and meals with international students, there have been so many not only fun but special memories for our Bison here on Bison Hill.
Abby Primrose, a senior here at OBU, shares that one of her favorite OBU Thanksgiving time traditions is the Lamda Chi Lambdas pumpkin games.
“It’s always fun and entertaining to see everyone running around and having fun on campus,” Primroseadded. “One of my favorite memories is from my freshman year. We were in the cafeteria, and the professors were playing that year and got really into it and were told they had to take it outside because they were getting really intense with it. That was something that was really fun to see as a freshman, seeing the fun interactions between professors and students.” Primrose also said that her own social club, Pi Sigma Phi, hosted a Sistersgiving last year that was a lot of fun.
Andrew Tucker, a theology professor, student success specialist, academic outreach, and OBU alumni shares that his favorite Thanksgiving memory from when he was a student was hosting Friendsgiving. He and his three roommates who lived off campus would host all their friends, attempt cooking meals, and most importantly had an amazing time hosting and spending time with friends.
Antonio Chiareli, a sociology and intercultural studies professor, shared that his favorite Thanksgiving memories here at OBU are when he and his family get to host international students.
“This has always been an enjoyable thing for us to do and a real blessing to be able to be a support to our students from other cultures and nationalities throughout the year, but especially on these important holidays. Many times, we have had these students over for our Thanksgiving celebration, which is something that most of them had never experienced prior to coming to OBU. We always enjoy a time of prayer and giving thanks, an amazing feast, warm conversations, fun games, yummy desserts, and interesting movies,” Dr. Chiareli said.
“I, myself, was a Brazilian international student in college and I do recall feeling so grateful for having a place to go to enjoy a homey feeling and wonderful people and food. Thanksgiving food became my favorite kind of food, and I still look forward to enjoying that special time with students in our home.” Dr. Chiareli also shares that they make sure to get the biggest turkey so that there is plenty for everyone, including all and any international students.
While some memories are funny, exciting, nostalgic, or loving, they are all special. OBU is the type of place where you don’t just gain an amazing education but amazing memories that you will forever treasure, as well. The things you see or do today will be the things you look back on and smile about when you think about your time here. I know college life can be busy and hectic. But try your best to slow down every once in a while, take a look around, and appreciate what will one day just be a memory. Enjoy your Thanksgiving break, Bison! Zip bang!
