Girls Giving Gratitude

Since the holidays are around the corner, girls from all over the world who attend Lynn University decided to share how they give thanks in their own ways.

Lynn University is ranked as one of the most diverse schools in America with students from 104 different countries and 47 states and territories. With such a large number of international students it is easy for students to find a close-knit community to share the holiday season with.

As a result, Lynn University is considered a home away from home for international students. Many students at the University add American traditions into their own diverse and unique practices. For example, even though Thanksgiving is traditionally an American holiday, various international students stay for the holiday and celebrate with friends they made at school.

Her Campus Lynn set out to see how girls at Lynn University give thanks during the holiday season.

“I am from Germany and we do not really celebrate thanksgiving at home but there is a way people give thanks,” said Hanna Bruckmayer, freshman. “In Christian churches there are annual celebrations and a mass to thank God for what He gave the humans the current year.” 

“In Myanmar we give thanks by going to our elder’s homes with a tray filled up of all the things that they love and we offer it to them in a prayer,” said Lynn Whalen, senior. “The elders thank us by giving a prayer back.”

“Thanksgiving in Canada is all about celebrating family and friends while enjoying the last of fall weather before snow falls,” said Emily Glass, senior. “This year my friend’s parents cooked a huge dinner at their house for myself and two other Canadians who go to Lynn and they joined us in celebrating our holiday which was really special.”

“Back in France we do not celebrate thanksgiving but we usually give thanks around Christmas,” said Emmanuelle Le Tertre, sophomore. “This year I will probably celebrate thanksgiving with my international friends and maybe a French family that lives in Boca Raton.”

“I am from Sweden and I give thanks by not only saying thank you directly but also doing things to show it,” said Josefine Malmborg, graduate student. “When I am here in the states I just celebrate with a thanksgiving dinner with my family and friends.”

“Growing up in the United Arab Emirates I did not celebrate a traditional thanksgiving but the motif behind it was the same,” said Angela Kashkimbayeva, sophomore. “We would get together with family and friends in a restaurant, eat and give thanks for being in each other’s lives, to continue supporting each other and be grateful for everyday.”