Thanksgiving may be a holiday for food and family, but a big part of the holiday that people tend to forget is the idea of giving thanks to the ones that we surround ourselves with on the daily basis.

As individuals, the creators of the Ithaca, New York community would say things like "I am thankful for my family and friends" and "For my professors for pushing me to be the best that I can be".

As an Odyssey community, we decided to describe why we were thankful to call Ithaca, New York our home for a chunk of the year:

Rachel Huley:

I'm thankful for Ithaca for bring me and my boyfriend close together and for my boyfriend allowing me to spend the holiday with his family, while mine is so far away!

Keturah Gordon-Seapker:

I may not live in Ithaca, but I do live near it and go to Alfred University! I am thankful for Alfred because it gives me an escape from the hectic hustle and bustle of city life that I have back home.

Hannah Sarnie:

I am thankful for going to a school in such an open minded, creative and innovative community. I love how accepting people are and how excited they are to hear your weird and quirky ideas. Its truly a unique place!

Olivia Brush:

I am thankful that Ithaca is an accepting place to live in. Down in the commons, people are accepting of a lot of things. No matter what you wear - whether you think you look like a slob in public or ready to take on the runway - people don't care. They'll treat you like the human that you are. They also are accepting of people's dreams and helpful in making those dreams happen. There is a certain band that is breaking through in the music industry called X Ambassadors. They are originally from Ithaca and had much help from the musicians and music teachers in the Ithaca area. I know this because X Ambassadors held a concert in the State Theatre and dedicated many songs and thanks to the people in the audience that helped them (also having a SOLD OUT show in the State Theatre was their dream come true, too).

Alison Hartley:

Its my happy place! The atmosphere of Ithaca has to be what I am most thankful for. Yes, Ithaca College may be small and even the town, but there is so much packed into that atmosphere. There is something for everyone no matter what sort of person you may be. There is always music playing on campus; there is always something to do depending on if you are a sports person or there are readings for people who are into writing and spoken word poetry; there is always beautiful hidden spots for people to film and take pictures. Ithaca is the home for every one's anything.

Shannon Moran:

Ithaca is a place that I am thankful for because I can truly find myself there and discover who I want to be. Ithaca offers a lot of on campus and in town events and activities for everyone of all ages.

Cholee McCormick:

I would have to say that I appreciate the beauty in Ithaca. From the people of the town to the falls (gorges), to the lakes and everything in between. That is what I am thankful for.

Christine Morano:

I think there is a little piece of home for everyone in Ithaca. Ithaca is a diverse community that

Jonathan T. Makeley:

I am one of the Alfred writers, so I'll tell you about Alfred: I am thankful for the the wide variety of opportunities to pursue what you are interested in, in class and in any extracurriculars.

Colin Tessier:

I'm thankful to go to have the privilege of going to a good school. Ithaca offers a lot of different classes under a variety of majors and subjects.