With Thanksgiving comes the holiday season. It's a phenomenal time of year to connect with family and friends, reflect on the year, and set your mind on the important things in life. We all view Thanksgiving in this way, and when asked what we're thankful for, come up with pretty generic list items that, while important and true, may not apply to exactly everyone. So, I took the time to go outside my comfort zone, walk up to random strangers, and ask them to name one unique thing they're thankful for.

Stranger 1:

This stranger comes from a unique background that a lot of individuals may struggle to comprehend. When asked what he was thankful for, they told me "the opportunities that continue to open up in front of me, even when I'm not looking or expecting them." He also added, "the mentors and people who are willing to connect and support me", citing the large impact they've had on shaping his life, and pushing them to be a much better individual.

Stranger 2:

Stranger number two is passionate about astronomy, the stars, and everything in between. I share that same passion, but on a much more grounded and simpler level. However, this individual would like to share their very unique thanks to the many unknown women who have shaped the science of astronomy as we view it today.

Stranger 3:

Stranger three responded to the question with "rehab facilities." While it's a unique thing to be thankful for, they made sure to express their love with rehabilitation, the people who made the commitment to the program, and their changed perspective of the world.

Stranger 4:

The fourth stranger I spoke with said, "the way I see the world." Each person, they said, has a unique outlook on society and those around them. This individual was extremely thankful for the differing thoughts and views each person has, and the way it diversifies our culture.

Stranger 5:

The fifth stranger has a more lighthearted item they're thankful for, their golden Furman University parking pass, which allows them to park wherever they want on campus outside the Presidents spot, handicap spots, or fire lanes. They also cited their love for sugar cookies with printed photos on them, in the spirit of the holidays of course.

Stranger 6:

Stranger six had a very amazing item to be thankful for, podcasts. I share this sentiment deeply, and spend an obsessive amount of time on podcasts (see my favorites here). The stranger expressed their love for podcasts as a way to unwind, be come immersed, and revel in a new story.

Stranger 7:

Stranger seven offered a fantastic opinion, the smell of a new book. I think we can all agree there's nothing quite like that new smell of something, like a car or a book, so kudos to this individual for noticing the little things in life.