Something to be thankful for

Brigitte Ortiz | THE RIDER

Despite this year being full of obstacles, new routines and hardships, five students share what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Leonardo Larraga, a business administration junior, said that he is thankful that his loved ones stayed healthy during the pandemic.

“We all stayed safe and united, so that’s probably what I’m most thankful for,” Larraga said. 

Asked if his family has any holiday traditions, he replied, “Well, we always make pozole. That’s, like, our thing. I don’t know if any other family does it, but a pozole is a must for us. It’s like our little twist on it.”

Larraga said during Thanksgiving dinner, his family looks back on the year and gives thanks for the opportunities that were provided to them. 

Nayeli Ruiz, a mass communication freshman, said her family also makes pozole on Thanksgiving. 

Ruiz said she is thankful for being able to stay in her home and not wake up early to go to school. 

“I had to cross [the border] every day to go to school,” she said. “It has been a huge relief not to wake up [at] 5 [or] 6 in the morning [and] cross the humongous line. So, yeah, I’m kind of grateful not needing to cross.” 

Michelle Martinez, a bilingual education senior, said she is thankful for the pandemic because it has shown people who they are. 

“That’s what I would say because there’s been a lot of challenges, but if we’re able to face them, it makes us stronger,” Martinez said. “For a while, I lost my job so I applied for another job and I got it, so I’ve been working ever since June and I’m very thankful for that.”

Dariana Sagastegui, a civil engineer junior, said she is grateful to God for helping her stay strong and healthy during the pandemic. 

“I’m also grateful to have a family that loves me, cheers me and that supports me everyday to achieve my dreams,” Sagastegui said. “My mom and my dad are the best ones I could ask for. They made me the woman who I am today and are always by my side.”

She said her sister has been in quarantine with her and is the best partner she could ask for. 

“I’m also grateful to have a boyfriend by my side that always helps me to achieve my best potential, that loves me and makes me happy,” Sagastegui said. “Also, I am grateful to work at the Leadership and Mentoring department here at UTRGV as a mentor and had been able to help first-year students and I made a lot of friends too.”

Karla Valenzuela, a mass communication junior, said she is thankful for not struggling financially during the pandemic.

Valenzuela said she thinks Thanksgiving is a “weird” holiday to celebrate. 

“I think considering the history of it, ’cause it’s, like, in a way, celebrating colonialism, which is kind of looked down upon, considering the whole treatment of Native Americans,” she said.