This week we will all take a few days off from fall semester to spend time with family and friends and celebrate the holiday. Thanksgiving is a time when people come together, regardless of circumstances or challenges, to give thanks. I, for one, am thankful for our Clemson family.
It’s easy for all of us to get caught up in the day-to-day craziness of life with a seemingly never-ending cycle of classes, exams, deadlines, work, etc. And in these current times, it can be easy to focus on the things that divide us rather than the ones that connect us. Over the holiday, I encourage each of you to take time to reflect on the positives in your life and be grateful for them.
Personally, I am thankful for my wonderful family. I am thankful for our talented and dedicated students, as well as our outstanding faculty and staff who challenge our students and help them achieve success. I am thankful for the many Clemson alumni and supporters that wear their orange with pride. And, I am thankful that even though many of us have different backgrounds and beliefs, we are united in our shared values and common desire to make tomorrow better than today.
At some point this holiday weekend, in between football games, turkey dinners and leftovers, take a moment and ask yourself why you are thankful. Hopefully being a part of the Clemson family is somewhere near the top of that list, and you will come back next week recharged and ready to finish the semester strong.
For all who are traveling this holiday season, be safe. Enjoy your time with family and friends.
Go Tigers!
Jim Clements
