Pirates give thanks

For Thanksgiving, every family has its own traditions. Families of ECU students are no exception.

Becky Clingenpeel, a senior communications major, went home to visit family in her home state of Connecticut. However, her dinner wasn't the normal Thanksgiving feast.

"We usually have lobster and steak for Thanksgiving because growing up, I was picky and didn't like anything that was part of a traditional Thanksgiving meal," said Clingenpeel. "We still have it every year." Clingenpeel's family also goes around the table and each family member says what they are thankful for.

Besides eating a non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner, Clingenpeel has done other different things for the holiday.

"Last year, I had to stay in Greenville and eat with some friends, so it was good to be with my family again," said Clingenpeel.

Clingenpeel's family isn't the only one that makes their own traditions.

"This year, I went home to Raleigh, with my family and we did the regular activities, watch movies while the mothers cook and host talent showcases after the meal, mostly singing and dancing," said Garland Guion, a senior business management major. "It was different than last year because my brother-in-law's side of the family came to my parents' house as well. It was nice to see them again and it was a really eventful Thanksgiving and I had a wonderful time."

Like Guion, senior social work major Shiona Mejorado had a bittersweet Thanksgiving holiday.

"This year, I went to my mom's for Thanksgiving. It's tradition. We always have Thanksgiving dinner at my mom's," said Mejorado. "It was different this year because this is the last Thanksgiving we will have there because my mom is moving next year." Mejorado visited her mother in Windsor, N.C.

While Thanksgiving may be bittersweet to the students, it has also left them with new memories.

"This Thanksgiving was extra hilarious because my 84-year-old Grammy tripped and spilled her drink [Jim Beam] all over her face and was only upset that she wasted alcohol," said Clingenpeel. "And we had two unexpected uninvited guests show up and the old lady kept dipping her chips into the bowl of nuts and asked me where I was from."

Even though this Thanksgiving created new memories, one student would like to do something different.

"It would be nice to go out of town to celebrate Thanksgiving just because it would be a cool change. I would also like to have a big Thanksgiving with all of my closest friends because I've never done that before," said Mejorado.

Regardless of where they are, the holiday is important to each student.

"A lot of the time, work and life separates people, and Thanksgiving just allows us the opportunity to reconnect with each other and family togetherness is a big value of mine," said Guion. "The best part of Thanksgiving would have to be the conversation. I love being around close, like-minded people. Family conversation is always fun because you get to reminisce and bring up old stories and relax."

Clingenpeel agrees with Guion.

"It's a time to get your dysfunctional family together and laugh at all the hilarious things that happen," said Clingenpeel.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.