Happy Thanksgiving, folks!

Our staff is thankful for your support these last 16 years of Onward State, and we’re looking forward to what comes in the year ahead. From our family to yours, have a safe and happy holiday.

As always, Onward State staffers are thankful for plenty of things in their lives. From Tyler Warren and Saquon Barkley to Roots Natural Kitchen and DP Dough, they shared what stands out to them this year.

Abby Neely

I have endless things to be thankful for every year and more so this year, but I will sum it up.

I am always thankful for my family, especially my parents, for always supporting whatever choice I decide to make. I am always thankful for my friends for helping me experience life to the fullest. I am always thankful for my health, something a lot of people take for granted.

This year has made me realize how thankful I am for my education. I am specifically thankful for Penn State and for the experiences and opportunities it has provided me. Penn State has helped me grow personally into who I am today and formed a path for who I want to be in the future. I am thankful for the people that Penn State has led me to. I have made lifelong friendships with people I would never have met without Penn State.

The last thing I want to mention is that this year came with many ups and downs. I am so thankful that even though some unfortunate things happened, those things happening allowed for other opportunities to be possible. Therefore, I am thankful that everything worked out for the people I love the most.

Aidan Conrad

I am thankful for tailgates.
I am thankful for country music.
I am thankful for CJ Doebler’s driving.
I am thankful for college football.
I am thankful for pumpkin pie.
I am thankful for Wednesday nights at The Phyrst.
I am thankful for chicken bacon ranch.
I am thankful for running the damn ball.
I am thankful for Cael Sanderson.
I am thankful for Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley.
I am thankful for pints of Guinness.
I am thankful for Surfsides.
I am thankful for Zach Top.
I am thankful for The Walking Dead.
I am thankful for Everybody Wants Some!!
I am thankful for Josh Pate.
I am thankful for Canon R3s.
I am thankful for dynasty fantasy football.
I am thankful for Phillip Phillips.

Finally, I am thankful for my family and friends who never stop supporting me.

Alex Smith

I am thankful for my friends, family, and health. I am also grateful for the Tampa Bay Lightning even though they suck this year (rebuild??). I’m always thankful for the blog!

Ally Eaton

Root’s Natural Kitchen.

Alyssa Wagner

Tyler Warren.

Angelina Marzano

I am thankful for so much, but mostly, I am grateful for my family. My family has always supported me through everything — I would not imagine where I would be without them. My siblings have been there for me through it all. I can always rely on my older sister to be by my side, whether helping me find an outfit or always being there when I need someone to talk to. I always look up to my oldest brother. He is always there when we need something fixed in the house. I could not imagine what we would do without him when the wifi goes out. I am beyond grateful to have had such amazing mentors guide me through Penn State. I could not imagine living without my younger brothers. They bring all the humor to the family, and there is never a dull moment in our house.

I am grateful for my legacy at Penn State. Without my dad coming here, I would not have found the perfect school for me. Coming to Penn State with my cousin/roommate could not have made my transition to college even better. I am so lucky to have my best friend (Wolf Pack) — these girls always know how to put a smile on my face. But most of all, my parents. They are my biggest supporters and without them, I would not be where I am. They always push me to be my best, and I could not be more grateful.

Mainly, I am thankful for the DP Dough next to the Den. They could not have a better location and those late-night cravings that hit differently.

Ashley Connington

There’s always so much to be thankful for, so I’ll try to keep this short. I’m always thankful for my friends and family for letting me talk for hours and keeping me sane. I’m so thankful to be able to call Penn State my second home and for Onward State for bringing me so much joy and some of my favorite people in the world. This year, I’m especially thankful for Phi Sigma Kappa, Cole Palmer, my dog Maverick, and Evan Halfen. Happy birthday, Evan!

Ben Rosenbaum

My family, friends, my dog Barkley, and a good ole Michelob Ultra.

Brendan Wagner

God. Family. Football…and Cooper Cazares.

Cadyn Gill

This year, I am especially thankful for all the people in my circle who make me happy and fulfilled. Whether it’s my roommates, my peers in my organizations, or just my best friends, it truly takes a village, and I love each and every one of them that makes a positive impact on my life. Additionally, I am so incredibly appreciative to have a healthy mind, body, and spirit, which is something that is often taken for granted. Lastly, I want to thank those in the armed services who are currently protecting my freedoms and liberties as we speak. It is because of them that I am allowed the privilege to pursue my future dreams and goals.

Charlie Pegler

Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, Tyler Warren, Nick Dawkins, (Julian Fleming?), Anthony Donkoh, Luke Reynolds, Ryan Barker, Drew Shelton, Jaylen Reed, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Abdul Carter, Kobe King, Andy Kotelnicki, James Franklin, Pat Kraft, Ace Baldwin, and many, many more like mom, dad, etc.

CJ Doebler

I’m thankful for Thanksgiving break. It’s been a grind this semester, and the end is in sight. The two weeks between Thanksgiving break and finals week are always packed but for right now, I’m thankful for a week of rest spent with my family.

CJ Gill

This year, it’s pretty simple what I’m thankful for. It’s Penn State football. The Nittany Lions have a chance to make the College Football Playoff for the first time ever and participate in the postseason for the first time since the 2016 Big Ten Championship. This team has brought so much joy to me as a fan, and I’ve been a fan my entire life. This team is special, and why wouldn’t you be thankful for your favorite football team when it’s winning”

Collin Ward

As always, I am thankful for my friends and family. This year, though, I am also grateful for the 12-team College Football Playoff. All this stress of thinking about a home playoff game gives me a nice break from thinking about school. There’s nothing like sitting down for an hour and going through all the possible outcomes.

Cooper Cazares

This has been a year full of learning and growth, two themes I’m so grateful to call my experiences. First and most importantly, I’m thankful for the entirety of my support system, including but not restricted to my amazing family and friends. Without you all, I wouldn’t be where I am. I consider myself the luckiest person in the world to have people who love me unconditionally through all of my imperfections.

I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to continue my education at an institution such as Penn State, where I’m surrounded by those I admire every day. This school has given me every opportunity to succeed in whatever the future holds for me.

I’m thankful for the blog. Onward State has opened my eyes to what I can achieve by allowing me to learn from my peers and giving me a platform to share my words and thoughts with a large audience. I’ve met some of my best friends in this organization, making this group extremely important to me and my growth as a student, writer, and person.

Lastly, I’d like to thank Beaver Stadium chicken baskets once again this year. Although severely overpriced, the savory taste of chicken and french fries will always make Beaver Stadium feel like home. In addition, Rec Hall hotdogs have also made the list of things I’m thankful for this year. Rec Hall has the best hot dogs on campus. I will take this take to the grave.

Dennis Wilkins

I’m thankful for my family, friends, and the opportunity to contribute to this funny little blog. More importantly, I’m thankful Daniel Jones is finally off of the Giants.

Dillon Williams

I’m blessed enough to be thankful for many things this year. First off, I’m thankful for my health. Being healthy is something that can be taken for granted so I’m always grateful for every day that I’m in good health. I’m also grateful for the opportunities that I’ve earned in my time at Penn State. Penn State offers so many chances for young creatives to make a name for themselves and I’ve been fortunate enough to make the most of those chances. Whether it’s photographing platinum recording artists or one of the best collegiate volleyball teams in the country, it’s so cool that I get to do these things regularly.

Additionally, I’m very thankful for the people I’ve met here at Penn State. I have a fantastic support system at this school and it’s an awesome community to be a part of. I have other students who have supported me so much and we’ve never even held conversations with each other. Ultimately, everyone wants to see each other win, and that’s what I’m most thankful for.

Finally, I’m thankful for two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson for being one of the best players in the league. Lamar’s my favorite player, and I’m thankful for every chance I get to see him to take the field.

Ella Wehmeyer

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for so much. I’m thankful for my family who have supported me through everything I’ve pursued and given me the chance to go to a dream school. Specifically, I’m thankful for my sister — I don’t know where I’d be without her. I’m thankful for change and although it can be super scary, it has made me into a better version of myself. I’m thankful for Penn State. I’ve made some of the best memories and met some of the best people. I’m thankful for the new friends I’ve made. I’m thankful for finding Onward State and becoming a part of such an amazing staff who have welcomed me with open arms.

While I’m at it, I’m also thankful for Penn State sports, photography, music, coffee, writing, and the sun.

Ericka Apolskis

I am thankful for family, friends, self-tan, audio messages, my car, Trader Joe’s, Black Friday sales, and the grade calculator on Canvas.

Evan Halfen

As a senior, this Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for my experiences and opportunities at Penn State and the people I’ve met and who have supported me along the way. Like every year, I’m thankful for my unconditionally supportive family, friends, and my puppy. I’m also thankful for the little things and moments throughout the year like bar-hopping downtown, writing sometimes serious and sometimes fun posts, traveling with my people, and the Dunkin’ that sits two minutes from my apartment. This year, I’m taking it all in and being extra thankful, as this time next year I’ll (hopefully) have a big boy job in the real world. As always, I’m thankful for my second home, Happy Valley, and the memories I’m continuing to make here.

Fernando Martinez

New year but the same drill for what I’m thankful for, except the Dallas Cowboys (please sell the team, Jerry Jones).

I’m thankful for so many things in my life but I have to start with my family first. I am thankful for them, especially my parents and brother. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them, and I thank them for always supporting me on my journey. I’m thankful for all my friends here at Penn State. They have made my time here very special, and I’m thankful for all the memories I’ve made along the way.

Also, I’m thankful for the opportunities that have been provided to me at Penn State like Onward State, the Sports Business Club, and 360 Sports. They have allowed me to showcase my abilities, do the things that I enjoy the most, and have the opportunity to meet so many great people. I couldn’t be more thankful for these organizations.

Lastly, I’m thankful for Penn State Athletics, especially football, Lionel Messi, all the sports teams I root for except the Cowboys, and most importantly, Mexican food.

Giovanna Lee

I am thankful for so many things but this year, I have been especially thankful for my family. They have supported me through so much in the past year and I will never be able to thank them enough. I am beyond grateful for the friends I have made, the relationships that have grown, and the opportunities I have been granted in the past year that I could not have imagined possible without my support system. As always, I am endlessly thankful for the OS community and the growth I have made alongside some of my best friends and peers.

Hailey Stutzman

I cannot believe this is my fourth and final year of telling Onward State readers what I am thankful for. This year, I am most thankful for opportunities. I have been blessed with the most life-changing opportunities in less than a year. I’m grateful to be able to do what I love, be a powerful woman in the sports industry, and be surrounded by others who are just as passionate about their craft as I am.

I’m also thankful for great friends, my loving family, and everything in between. The Philadelphia Eagles, Penn State, the Onward State football beat, a giant plate of nachos, and last but certainly not least, the band Lit for creating my favorite song in 1999, My Own Worst Enemy.

Hannah Guidotti

I’m thankful for my support system, my family, and friends who are always there for me. I’m also thankful for the opportunity to explore and find things I’m passionate about at Penn State through things like Onward State. Lastly, I’m thankful for Saquon.

Jack Anderson-Jussen

I’m thankful for my health, friends, and family.

Jack Scott

This year, I’m thankful for the Warring Commons market, my family and friends, Kaytron Allen, IC Light, House M.D., good food on the table, Penn State men’s hockey’s freshman class, George Pickens, and Joe Lister.

Jake Musmanno

My friends. My family. The 12-team playoff.

James Russell

My family.

Jamie Lynch

I am thankful for my dog, Baci. Baci is a 12-year-old cockapoo who I’ve been lucky enough to have for her whole life. She has been my best friend and I look forward to seeing her every time I come home from school. For over a decade, Baci has been a constant through all of life’s ups and downs. If something negative ever happened, I could always count on her to brighten my day. I will never take the time I spend with Baci for granted. From going on walks around the neighborhood to watching her play with her favorite toys, frog and piggy, I love hanging out with her any chance I get. Being an only child, she has been like a sibling to me, and I am forever grateful to have her in my life.

Jess Farhat

I’m thankful for my friends and family and the time I spent with them this year. I’m still thankful for a nice cold can of Coca-Cola, football, and good music.

As I continue to grow at Penn State, I’m thankful that I have been able to find a home here and that I have such a great group of friends I can count on for anything.

Joe Lister

Lisa Lister, John Lister, Mary Lister, Santi Sandoval, Meg Lister, Dave Matthews, Trish Keegan, Ro Malfetti, Jim Malfetti, Jimmie Lister, Casey Norris, Kevin Feng, Tyler Dickens, Kramer, Alex Bogle, JWill, Abby Rowley, Nico Gutierrez, the Red Raider, the factory owner, Mitch Corcoran, KLamm, the Milk Monster, Stutz, the East Halls menace, Ashley Connington, Allyson Eaton, Maya Thiruselvam, the On Deck merchant, Aidan Conrad, Sirority, Cooper Cazares, Brendan Wagner, Mara McKeon, Jack Scott, Nathaniel Yerage, Kyra Birmingham, Abby Neely, Yadz, Flen, Juice, Alex Smith, Sylvia Prebor, Wardo, Charlie Pegler, De E, James Russell, Jamie Lynch, Jess Farhat, Kayla Wakeley, Kalya Padilla, McKenna Murphy, McKenzie Clauss, Olivia Hess, Oscar Orellana, Slaughter Joseph, Tia Kaschauer, Sarah Nasif, Ryan Smith, Leah Meyer, Lauren Gruca, Kenneth Yonke, Giovanna Lee, Jake Musmanno, Ella Wehmeyer, Ericka Apolskis, Dillon Williams, Cadyn Gill, Dennis Wilkins, Angelina Marzano, Alyssa Wagner, Aidan Myers, Ben Rosenbaum, Hannah Guidotti, Johnny DeMasi, Sam Balkansky, Samarth Kulkarni, Sami Isenberg, Tessa Torres-Hoffman, Zach Schwartz, Saquon Barkley, Tyler Warren, Alejandro Bedoya, Jim Curtin, Gabe Angieri, Frankie Marzano, Babe, the Man Matty B, sources, Ethan Rowley, Reek the Freak, Slynn, Zion Sykes, GBK, Kenny Kramer, Andrea, Rick Dickens, Sue Dickens, Wiggins, Cafe 210, Pickle’s, Sharkie’s, the Butler Room, Yocum, KP, Batman, John Affleck, Maggie Messitt, Walter Middlebrook, Smash, Northern Illinois, leaves, beer, whiskey, cigars, Malcolm McCormick, Kendrick Lamar, All the President’s Men, and so much more.

Blog.

Johnny DeMasi

I am thankful to be with my family and friends, as well as for the new friends and people I’ve met in my time at Penn State.

Kayla Padilla

To keep it short and sweet, I am thankful to go to an amazing school with so many opportunities I’ve gotten to experience and so many wonderful people I met along the way. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their constant support and guidance. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Kayla Wakeley

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for so much. First off, I’m so incredibly thankful for my family and friends, who keep me sane and support me endlessly. I’m grateful for Penn State, where Saturdays are sacred, the Creamery ice cream is unmatched, and being part of the blue and white family feels like home no matter where you are. I’m extremely thankful for the Eagles — especially Saquon Barkley. Shoutout to The Weeknd, whose music turns every car ride into a concert and every bad mood into a vibey, cinematic experience. I’m thankful for the Chili’s Triple Dipper for being the real MVP of appetizers. Finally, I’m so thankful for everyone at Onward State and the many opportunities it’s given me.

Keeley Lamm

I’m thankful for Porch Time.

Kennedy Jones

This Thanksgiving, I have so much to be thankful for. I’m so thankful for my amazing parents, who will always answer my 1 million texts each day. I’m thankful for my roommates and all of my friends at Penn State who make each day worthwhile. I’m thankful for my friends at home, and I’m thankful to miss them every day. And, of course, I’m thankful for the blog and all of the opportunities I’ve had this semester.

On a less serious note, I’m thankful for Coca-Cola, my new addiction to gingerbread chai lattes, Garrett Wilson, sushi, Taylor Swift, my record player, and Juan Soto (please come back to the Bronx I’m begging you).

Kyra Birmingham

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my family, friends, and the blog. I am also thankful for Abby Neely and Siroty. Between the two of you, I never have peace and quiet. I can’t forget to thank Michigan. Thank you for being so awful at football this year, it has been a pleasure to watch (sorry, Ian).

Lauren Gruca

This year, I am thankful for friends, family, and new opportunities. As a freshman here at Penn State coming all the way from Chicago, it’s amazing to have such a supportive community here and friends who I will have for the rest of my life. Especially thankful for OS, this group of people is the best around. Thankful for my mentor, Kyra! I wouldn’t be where I am right now without her help, love her so much! (Also thankful for all the PA kids who made me like all the Philly sports teams now).

Leah Meyer

I am so grateful to my amazing friends and family who always support me and encourage me to be the best version of myself. I’m also thankful for every opportunity in my life that has allowed me to learn, grow, and shape me into the person I am today.

Mara McKeon

This year, I am once again thankful for my amazing friends and family. I have faced some tough times this year, but it is always easier when I know I have them to depend on. As I near my December graduation, I am also thankful for Penn State. I will miss it, but I am thankful to be locked into such a big fandom for life. Finally, I am thankful for my espresso machine and vanilla lattes, everything bagels, Taylor Swift, and country music.

Maya Thiruselvam

The Justin Bieber Christmas album.

McKenna Murphy

As cliche as it may sound, I am immensely thankful for my family. You would think being a junior at Penn State would mean you have everything figured out, but I have learned that is far from the truth. I am so thankful for FaceTime, and even more thankful that my mom and dad put up with my daily calls. They are my strongest support system and two people I will always look up to, and I am immensely grateful that I have parents as awesome as them.

On an even more cliche note, I am also thankful for all my amazing friends, both at Penn State and back home. From catching up with my hometown friends to hosting movie nights at my apartment with my roommates, I am so thankful for the amazing people who fill my life.

But on a more serious note, I am thankful for the one place that has felt like a second home this past year, the stacks. I know that people call it the scariest part of the library, but that’s because they are literally judging a book by its cover. The stacks are the only place I can do my work without any distractions, and as finals season approaches, I am immensely thankful for this quiet little corner of the library.

McKenzie Clauss

This year, I’m thankful for my friends who mean the absolute world to me and make Penn State my favorite place to be. Also, I will forever be thankful for DVSN and Allen Street Pizza.

Michael Siroty

This year, I went with a dictionary of thankful. I’m grateful for…

Accomplishments. Blog. Broadcasting. Brother. Basketball. Creamery. College GameDay. Dogs. Dr. Pepper. Drake. Experiences. Education. Friends. Family. Football. Food. Grandparents. Health. Happiness. Home. Happy Valley. Ice cream. JAMSpals. Kevin Hart. Lakeview. Luke Combs. Lil Baby. Music. New Jersey. Noah Kahan. Onward State. Opportunities. Penn State. Parents. Pizza. Podward State. Quarter zips. Radio. Rain. Sushi. Sunshine. Sports. TV. Travel. TikTok. University Park. Vacations. Westfield. Writing. Xavier Legette. Yelling. Zac Brown Band.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Mikey DeAngelis

I’m a pretty sentimental guy, and with this being my senior year at Penn State I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on my four years here. It really does go by quickly, but I’ll save most of my sappy comments for my inevitably long senior column in April. For now, I’ll just list some of the things and people that have made these last four years so special and the things I will continue to cherish for my remaining time at Penn State.

I’m thankful for the nights with my friends playing Guitar Hero and Mario Kart, for long talks over a pint of mango Voodoo Ranger at A’s Pub’s $2 Tuesdays, for watching the Penn State White Outs from the sidelines of Beaver Stadium, for singing along to Phillip Phillips on road trips (Onward State or otherwise), from enjoying a Bongo Fizz at 1 a.m. in a big chair on a porch, for having a scheduled time every Sunday afternoon to see my friends, for Pickle’s Trivia nights and Troeg’s Brewing Company, for State College sunsets, for creamery ice cream, for Tyler Warren, for football catches on the Alumni lawn, for inside jokes, and for the friends who have made my college experience so amazing. I love you all.

Mitch Corcoran

I am thankful for another year writing for Onward State. This year has been incredible and I am thankful for all the friends I have made along the way. I am also thankful for everything I’ve been able to experience while writing for the blog. Sadly, this is my final year at Penn State, but these have been the best two years of my life, and I wouldn’t have done it any other way.

Nathaniel Yerage

What am I thankful for? Good question. Well, I’d like to thank my health, because that’s the most important thing. I’m also thankful for safety because it’s first. I’m thankful for my roommate, Ben, even if he’s always showering when I need to pee. I’m thankful for my friends, Ed and Jack, who’ve committed an elegant coup d’état on my Netflix account. I hope they’re thankful for my account and “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson.” Ed and Jack, I hope you take a hint from that show’s title sometime soon. Of course, I’m thankful for the rest of my friends and family, especially those who don’t use my Netflix account. Last but not least, I’m thankful for Onward State, which has given me a platform for my stupid ideas, even if they get (rightfully) edited before anyone else sees them. After several attempts to join, I’m thankful for all the editors who finally allowed me to slip through the cracks as contrib Nathaniel.

Noah Flenard

I am thankful for this staff and opportunity. I am thankful for all the trivia nights in which I (Mikey DeAngelis) carried the team to victory (eighth place). I am lastly thankful to be attending the best university in the world.

Nolan Wick

I’m most thankful for the strong support system I have at Penn State and elsewhere. I have a large amount of people I can talk to about anything, whether it be sports, advice, life, or something else.

I also want to express my gratitude for the opportunity and experience of covering Penn State football for OS these last two seasons. It’s been a dream come true, and I’ve cherished every moment. Knock on wood, the Nittany Lions make a deep playoff run!

I’m also thankful for Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders, Alex Ovechkin’s goal chase and the Washington Capitals, Pickle’s, Roots, Spotify, fantasy sports, Penn State, and being from Maryland.

Olivia Hess

This year, I’m especially thankful for my family, which has been so supportive through this big transition to college. I am also incredibly thankful for my best friends from my hometown, who set the standard of friendship very high, and my new friends here in the happiest valley, who make Penn State feel like a second home. I’m so grateful to know love in many places!

Oscar Orellana

I’m thankful for my family for their constant love and support while I moved 2,500 miles east of them. I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing without them, and I don’t take their sacrifices for granted any day. I’m thankful for my wonderful girlfriend back home who still makes me laugh every day even though we’re very far apart. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to pursue higher education and for the harmonious start to this new era of my life. I’m thankful for Onward State giving me a chance.

Oh, and Freddie Freeman.

Ryan Smith

This Thanksgiving, I have a ton to be grateful for. First of all, I’m thankful for my parents who are my biggest supporters and have given me the opportunity to go to my dream school. My older sister Shannon, who is my best friend but also knows how to keep me humble. And, of course, I’m thankful for my dog, Yogi, who always makes me, my friends, and my family laugh.

I’m thankful for my best friends that I’ve made at Penn State who have truly become a part of my family. I’m thankful that Penn State has a really great chance of hosting a home playoff game. For Podward State, PGN, Roots, Wing Wednesday, running with friends down Beaver Avenue, Lopresti Family Tailgates, and Keeley Lamm’s Porch. Oh, and the JBL connection noise #ifykyk. Happy Thanksgiving!

Samarth Kulkarni

All the new friends I’ve made and the fun stories we experienced together!

Sami Isenberg

My family and my friends.

Sarah Nasif

This Thanksgiving, I am so thankful to call Penn State home and for all the amazing people it has brought me. As a girl from Wisconsin, I never imagined that my bestest friends would come from Philly and Jersey, and how instantly we would all connect and grow together.

I am also thankful for my friends, family, sorority sisters, and, of course, the blog.

I will also always be thankful for Penn State football and their dominating record over the Badgers.

Sophie Yadzinski

There is always so much to be thankful for, but this time of the year presents the opportunity to share my thanks via OnwardState.com.

First and foremost, I am thankful for my family, friends, education, and good health. I am especially grateful to my mom, dad, and grandfather for providing me with the opportunity to get a great education and pursue my dreams. I am thankful to my professors who always answer my questions and motivate me to learn more. I am thankful to my friends and boyfriend for their endless support, laughs, and memories. To everyone I’ve met at Penn State, thank you for making State College feel like home.

On a less serious note, I am thankful for green beans, Tyler Warren, Yogurt Express, Jif peanut butter, Abercrombie Jeans, peeled apples, Outlook Calendar, Canvas Reminders, Beaver Stadium, the wolf emoji, and Indeed job notifications.

Sylvia Prebor

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for my friends and family, and all the support they give me to follow my dreams and aspirations. I’m also thankful to call Penn State home. And, of course, I’m thankful for Onward State, football, and Starbucks vanilla sweet cream cold brew.

Tessa Torres-Hoffman

This year, I have so much to be grateful for — my family, friends, and of course, my dogs mostly my favorite dog Scarlett. I’m also thankful for my Boston sports teams, especially the Boston Bruins and, of course, Charlie McAvoy. Above all, I am incredibly thankful for Penn State, as it has introduced me to some new friends who will be in my life forever. And I can’t forget Onward State — without it, I wouldn’t have been able to experience such incredible opportunities such as photographing College GameDay and various sporting events. Oh yeah, and I’m thankful to be out of Florida for the time being.

Tia Kaschauer

I am truly so thankful for everything in my life right now. From capturing photos of the energy and excitement of Penn State sports to those short nightly phone calls with my parents that always help me mentally — I am so thankful not just for the big milestones, but also for the small, everyday moments that remind me how blessed I am. I’m so thankful for my family and friends who always support me through everything, and for my faith that tells me everything happens for a reason. Choosing Penn State was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I can’t imagine my life without this amazing community. From the friendships to the experiences, Penn State has become a second home in every way. I’m beyond thankful for Onward State and the incredible opportunities and amazing family it has given me. The people here are truly something special, and I’m grateful to be part of a team that pushes each other to learn, grow, and be better. Some other special shoutouts: my THON PR Committee, Tener 9, Doggies Pizza, the IM Building in between classes, Chick-fil-A Lemonade, El Jefe’s queso and chips, Fresco, Snaps Pizza, and the White Loop.