Education is a privilege that many are not afforded. A lot of the time we take for granted the fact that we were able to receive 12 years, more or less, of schooling. Regardless if you attended public or private school, were home taught, actually went to school, or attended an in-state college vs. an out of state college, education is a gift, and we should all be thankful to partake in such a wonderful right that is afforded to us. With that being said, this Christmas I am thankful for many things -- my health, family, friends -- pretty much anything above the basic needs.
After shopping for copious amounts of presents, and being asked over and over what I wanted for Christmas, I thought about all of the things I don't really need, and how I'm honestly just thankful for everything in my life, but that answer doesn't go over well with relatives. So, I think up some frivolous item that I "want" and move on. But looking back, the best gift I ever received was the gift of education. Now, whether you gave this gift to yourself or your parents gave this gift to you, it's still something to be proud of and thankful for. And after 12 years of schooling, I was given something surprisingly, even better -- the gift of a University of Kentucky education. And I'll tell you why. (And no, this isn't endorsed or paid by the University in any way, just a simple admiration of my school!)
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Academics.
The academics at U.K. are like no other. There's no question that U.K. has many outstanding qualities, but sometimes the academics get overshadowed with all of the sports hoopla. But it's important to see that U.K. really does have great professors, courses, and research. In Fall 2014, 5,185 full-time students began their college careers at UK, with an average ACT Composite score of 25.5. And during the 2013-14 school year, 6,121 students earned degrees from UK. It may not sound like much to others, but I really am proud of the academics at the university and am definitely thankful for them.
Greek life.
Most major universities and state schools, especially in the south, have greek life. At Kentucky, I feel like our greek life is incredible. With such a large number of students, almost 30,000 or so, it can be difficult to meet new people and make friends, and it can be even harder to find awesome and rewarding ways to do so, but with greek life, you get the best of both of those worlds. Every sorority and fraternity here are unique in their own way, and all of greek life does such great philanthropic work and really give back, so it's important to see that our greek life is a blessing.
Athletic program.
The Big Blue Nation is no stranger when it comes to sports. We like to dominate in as many sports as possible, or so it seems. But I don't think students have ever stopped to think just have grateful they are to go to a college that has such a phenomenal athletic program. If you think about it, we get to cheer on and support some of the most hard working and talented young athletes, who are also our classmates. Win or lose, the school sticks together and stands by every single team. We are so lucky to have such a great program, with outstanding athletes, coaches, staff, and trainers. Wouldn't be able to scream out the CATS cheer on random occasions if we didn't, right?
Willy T.
Throughout our school careers, most all students dread going to the library. Because that means that you have to sit in a small space that's stuffy and crowded, listening to all of these people talk while you try, and I mean stare at your books confused and motionless, to study or get work done. The library looks like a cinder block building of sadness to many, but at the University of Kentucky, the William T. Young Library is anything but ordinary. Willy T. is a beautiful masterpiece that is essentially the epicenter and pride and joy at U.K. Not just because of it's look at structure, but because of everything it symbolizes. It is a place where students come to actually go to get work done, which, sometimes motivating college students and getting them all in one place to achieve success, is virtually impossible. So I'm thankful for Willy T. and all that it embodies, and am especially thankful for all of the amazing antics that go on there.
Campus.
There are so many universities that have their own unique flare and beauty to them. When you have a clean-cut and visually appealing campus, it really helps the atmosphere on campus and makes going to class just a little bit better. At U.K., I think our campus is absolutely stunning and. And the grounds workers do such a great job of keeping and maintaining the extremely large campus. With every passing day, campus just seems to get prettier and prettier. And it doesn't need a filter, it's just naturally gorgeous, and I am so appreciative of all of the hard work that goes into making my daily walk to class that much enjoyable and my Instagram posts killer.
Major.
U.K. offers hundreds of different majors, all unique and awesome in their own way. But it makes it even better than you can virtually pick a major that fits everything you are looking for. I, myself, absolutely love my major. My major classes are small and I know everyone personally. Most of them are even in most of my other classes, in one way or another, so it really makes campus feel that much smaller, by feeling like I know so many people. I am so thankful for my major and everyone involved in my specific college. It feels like a little family and I feel like they really care about helping me accomplish so many things, from advising to clubs to scholarships, that are pointing me in the right direction in the area of study that I love.
DanceBlue.
God Bless the Big Blue Nation, everyone!
