By Halcyon Orvendal
As National Gratitude Month settles in, it is hard not to acknowledge the importance of gratitude, especially as we balance the stresses of campus life with the cozy anticipation of the holiday season. The average student trying to make it through the semester might appear overwhelmed and look like they are battling their inner demons — between midterms and looming deadlines. Yet beneath it all, we are just people with simple joys, appreciating the small yet powerful moments that keep us grounded. To capture what thankfulness looks like across the LC community, I spoke with students and faculty to uncover what brings them joy and appreciation. Their responses were not just heartwarming — they were a reminder of the beauty in our shared human experience.
For many at Lewis & Clark, gratitude begins with the natural environment that envelops us all up here on Palatine Hill. It is no surprise, given that Princeton Review 2025 named us the fourth most beautiful college campus in the U.S., that people on campus often find solace and rejuvenation in the campus’ lush greenery and scenic views.
Felix Rivera ’27 shared his appreciation for the environment.
“Something that I’m especially grateful for on campus is nature. You wake up every morning, and there’s this presence around you,” Rivera said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a rainy day or if it’s sunny. I love sunny days because I feel connected to them, but I also enjoy rainy days — it’s always a place to just be and exist.”
Assistant Director of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement Erin Khong also expressed her gratitude for the refreshing feeling of stepping outside on days when her motivation is lacking.
“Looking outside the window, going outside for some fresh air — even as a person who craves the sun on a cold day you walk out, and that first whiff of fresh air just sort of reminds me … I’m alive, I’m here, I’m present,” Khong said.
Beyond the gift of nature, a sense of belonging is fostered by the people who make us feel at home. Amidst the academic and the personal challenges testing our patience, it is often the people around us who make all the difference and make life a little less painful to deal with. Many people on campus find themselves deeply thankful for the friends, family, mentors and loved ones who create uplifting support systems and bring positivity to their lives.
Esrra Alkhateeb ’27 expressed gratitude for the friendships she has cultivated during her time at LC. For her, these friendships are not merely support systems but sources of daily encouragement and joy.
“I’m grateful for my friends,” she said. “I have many close friends, and I’m really grateful for all of them because they help me a lot and make every moment I spend here worth it.”
Damaris Medina ’25 also expressed deep appreciation for her professors and mentors, particularly those who have supported her through her graduate school application process and have played an important role in her career growth.
“I have to mention Professor Nancy Gallman — she’s been incredibly supportive and genuinely cares about my future. She’s always honest with me, offering solid advice, especially as I move forward with grad school. I really appreciate that honesty because it’s rare to find someone who’s as real and straightforward as she is,” Medina said. “And then there’s my mentor, who has been guiding me through the grad school application process. Honestly, I can’t thank him enough. He’s been a godsend, and I’m so appreciative of everything he’s done to help me take this next step towards my career.”
This November, National Gratitude Month reminds us of the small yet significant things that sustain us, from friends and family to the beauty of nature and comforting daily routines. While we may express gratitude in our own way, these shared moments reveal that deep down, we are not so different.
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