Thanksgiving. Its finally here. The week off after twelve grueling weeks of classes, papers, and partying. For one week, we get to head back to our respective hometowns and be with our families, old friends, and rest in preparation for the torment that will be waiting for us when we get back that is finals week. And in the twelve weeks that have passed since my last time being home, there have been many experiences that I have had in Pittsburgh that have made me see this city as a second home to me. Here are just a few of my personal favorites.

1. First Two Concerts- Two concerts. Two amazing artists. And two very different experiences. I already wrote about my experiences watching Mac Miller in concert at Stage AE, however, no concert will compare to the one event that started off my college experience. Watching Drake and Future rock Consol Energy Center for the Summer Sixteen Tour was an experience unlike any other I had seen in that building. And this is coming from someone who has experienced playoff games in that building. The way they were able to command the stage and have the crowd singing along and into the show was the PERFECT way to start my college experience.
2. Exploring the City- Before I came here, my knowledge of Pittsburgh geography was limited to South Side, North Shore, and the areas surrounding Duquesne. Since I have came here however, I have been able to explore all the wonderful neighborhoods and areas that this city has to offer. The shopping of Waterfront, the culture of the Strip District, the atmosphere of Oakland, and so much more. This city has surprised me in so many ways since I have arrived, and I am looking forward to more surprises as the holidays arrive.
3. Hockey Nights in Pittsburgh- Of course I can’t go any further without mentioning the 2016 Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. The amount of Penguins events and games that I have been to is flat out astounding (sorry mom). Starting out with Fan Fest where I got to meet players like Conor Sheary, Matt Murray, and Carl Hagelin, to Opening Night where I got to watch the championship banner be raised to the rafters. Many great matchups have followed, a Finals rematch with San Jose, the matchup of two of the greatest generational talents to grace an NHL rink in Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, to a game that saw my friends and I get not one, but TWO free t-shirts, and that was the only time I have witnessed them lose this year. I am legitimately excited for what this team will do this season, and I love that I will be a mere seven minute walk away from it all.
4. My New Friends- And finally, the people that have made the last twelve weeks possible. All the new friends that I have met. Whether it be in class, around town, or out on a Saturday night. The friends that I have met here in my first semester have become incredibly close friends to me, heck, I would even consider some of them to be like family to me. Classmates, gym partners, Penguins game partners, teammates, all some of the greatest people I have met in my life. And perhaps the greatest part...