Bushra Bablu ’24 is planning to double major in government and economics. Bushra serves as an Associate Opinions Editor for The Flat Hat Newspaper and the Business Manager for Flat Hat Magazine. Outside of The Flat Hat, Bushra is also involved with One for the World and Women in Business. Email Bushra at bebablu@email.wm.edu.
The author’s opinions are their own.
This will be my second fall semester at the College of William and Mary, and I can already see differences from last year. In fall 2020, the semester ended on Nov. 14, exactly a week before Thanksgiving. Due to this, we had a condensed schedule and a longer winter break that was extended to over a month. However, this year is different, and Thanksgiving break and winter break are just about four weeks apart. During my fall semester at the College this year, I have been able to experience and reflect on many things and have decided to share some stuff that I am extremely thankful for.
Coming into the College, I found myself feeling homesick on some days and wished to go back home. However, that is not always feasible and I catch myself FaceTiming my parents and siblings. Last night, I decided to FaceTime my parents and discuss my plans for coming home for Thanksgiving break. “I plan to come sometime earlier next week!” I said. My mom replied, “Can’t you come anytime earlier?” I wish I could. I am also very close to my younger brother, who is currently a senior in high school, and my older sister, who is currently a senior in college. I am thankful for my big sister because she always helps me if I need it and has always been there for me when I dealt with difficult circumstances. I am thankful for my little brother because he gives the best advice in any given situation, and he can also cheer me up when I am feeling blue. My green parakeets are also something that I am thankful for, they put a smile on my face whenever I interact with them. My family gives me a sense of belonging because we all share a strong kinship with one another.
The friendships that I have created here in Williamsburg have made me feel welcomed in the College community. One of my favorite pastimes is watching movies and having sleepovers with my friends. Some other activities I enjoy embarking on include yoga, exercising, listening to music and even poetry. Even though it has only been my second year here, I am most definitely thankful for all the people I have met this semester.
Last but not least, I can’t be thankful without mentioning food and fashion. Currently, my favorite place to dine on campus is the Boehly Cafe in Alan B. Miller Hall. They have a variety of options, and occasionally switch up their food choices. I am also thankful for The Daily Grind and other cafes such as Aromas and Illy in Colonial Williamsburg, that provide the best lattes and pastries. In terms of fashion, I am thankful for sweaters, fluffy socks, matte hair clips, black boots and flare jeans.
There are many other things that I am thankful for, maybe I can share them hopefully next year. Until then I hope this semester turns out the best, especially for those who are experiencing it for the first time.