Thanksgiving. During the year, probably the holiday I look forward to most. This year, it had special meaning for me. Of course, I had a chance to go home, but it was the first time I was able to be home with my two younger sisters since we all left for college. In fact, it was the first time we were able to share a true family meal with this group of people in a long time.
My best friend (a family member, minus the DNA), the guy with the yellow shirt, was in Nicaragua all summer working with an organization called Amigos for Christ; building wells for those who need clean water. Between his dedicated service in Central America and my internship up here in Chicago, we haven’t all been together since last Easter, which was a long time ago.
So this thanksgiving, besides the great food, family parties, football and hikes, I was especially grateful for the chance to reconnect.
It seems that Fall and football Saturdays are a trademark of the American college experience. Because of this, one of the big questions family and friends from home often ask me is: do you wish Loyola had a football team?
I never quite know how to answer. To be honest, there are times when I see pictures on Facebook of my friends tailgating in cute, school-spirited outfits and at football games where there are thousands of people all cheering on the same team, and I find myself jealous. I have to then ask myself the question, would I give up the Loyola city lifestyle for fall football games?
The answer is always the same: never!
I had the opportunity to visit some high school friends at Michigan State University this weekend. They had a home game against Ohio State and I got to be involved in all of the tailgating and game watching I always get jealous of.
I had a really good time! It was fun and really good to see some old friends. It did, however, reinforce my feelings that I would not trade schools even if I had the chance to.
My friends at Michigan State University do get to participate in football activities for a number of weeks in the Fall, but then football ends in November and its all over until the next year. Chicago has a never ending list of things going on and activities to do.
For sport fans, we may not a football team but we do have the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs. We also have Loyola athletic teams such as soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, golf, rugby, and many more.
Aside from sports, Chicago always seems to have something new and exciting to do on the weekend. Next weekend, for example, I have family coming into town from Nebraska (because everyone always wants to visit you when you live in Chicago!) The following weekend I am going to Loyola’s Lakefront Cross Country meet to cheer on our Ramblers. Then on Sunday I am participating in the AIDS run/walk.
I enjoyed my time being a Michigan State Spartan for a day, but I am glad to be back at Loyola for the next few weeks and look forward to the rest of the semester!
I got to be a Spartan for the day with my best high school friends!
