No matter if you go to a private college in Boston, a state university or a technical college in Waukesha, college students all share some common things to be thankful for. In honor of Thanksgiving, here is a list of things to appreciate.

1. The ’rents home cooking
It can be a shock to our bodies when we aren’t eating something repackaged or foods loaded with preservatives, but it shouldn’t be. College is the time when the meatballs from Spaghetti O’s are considered a “meat source” and cereal is sometimes lunch. No matter how good Jimmy John’s tastes, there is nothing like meat and potatoes from home.
2. Our crappy jobs
Very few get to work at their dream job while in college. Bosses are usually jerks and co-workers can be a pain. Being the low man on the totem poll can be painful. We’ll all be successful someday, but for the here and now, someone needs to pay the electric bill.
3. Spring Break
Our jobs may not take us far, but at least they can take us to Cancun in a few months (or at least a low-budget trip to Florida). And honestly, is sharing a room with eight people really that bad?
4. Lake Michigan
When stress is taking its tool, the lake is a wonderful getaway. Yeah, it smells, but it’s better than drowning in the Mississippi.
5. Norris Health Center
Getting relatively free health care is something to cheer about, and it’s conveniently located on campus. Especially nice for those students constantly being tested for mono or strep, it’s free and the staff is nice. Swollen glands suck, but at least someone cares.
6. Our pets back home
Being gone for months at a time somehow makes your dog or cat cuter. You forget how many times (insert name of pet) has pooped on your carpet or chewed on your shoes. What’s a little pee for a companion who loves you no matter what?
7. A big ol’ drink
After midterms, a hard week, an easy week … it always does the trick. For those of you sober coeds, you’re missing out.
8. Higher education
Going to college isn’t an opportunity that everyone has. Despite our constant complaining, we really are glad to be here (most of the time).
9. MP3 players
How many devices can drown out a loudmouth in the library or at the gym? The cell usually works, but then you end up being that loudmouth people are trying to get away from.
10. Friends and family
It’s easy to take for granted the friend who rubs your back when you’ve had a rough night or your crazy aunt who’s always pinching you on the cheek. Here’s to our support systems — they make life tolerable.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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