A Thanksgiving of growth and gratitude

This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for joining the University of Dayton. I’m an international student and have never stayed away from my parents and friends before. I didn’t have any specific goals but simply wanted to enjoy every moment of life. I wasn’t even concerned about my future, living happily but without any sense of responsibility.

However, coming to the U.S. and starting my independent journey at UD has changed me. I am now becoming more responsible and learning something new every day. All this growth and transformation is thanks to the University of Dayton, and I am deeply thankful for it.

I am thankful for the chapel.

Whenever I feel low or lack confidence, I visit the chapel and pray for better things to happen. The chapel has brought me peace on many occasions.

There is an incredible sense of power within that place, filling you with positive energy every time you go. It is truly the best place to find relaxation and serenity.

I am thankful for my photography job at UD Magazine. Life felt very challenging before I started this job, especially as I had just moved to a different country and was struggling to adapt. Then, I got the opportunity to work as a photographer, and it completely transformed me. This job has brought me inner peace, and I truly enjoy every moment of it. I haven’t felt stressed since starting this job —whenever I feel overwhelmed, I simply come to campus and take photographs. Capturing those moments brings me happiness and makes everything feel better.

I am thankful for the rain. I love capturing photographs in the rain. When I was young, I would eagerly wait for it to rain, and as soon as it did, I would run outside and dance in it. The smell of the soil during the rain is truly heavenly. Now, whenever there’s a chance of rain, I head to UD to capture some amazing pictures. Rain provides the perfect setting for the most beautiful photographs, and I cherish every moment of it.

I am thankful for the fall colors. Experiencing them for the first time has left me completely mesmerized. The vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow paint the trees with stunning beauty, making it feel like I am walking through a living masterpiece. The sunlight streaming through the colorful leaves creates a warm, golden glow that is simply captivating. It felt as if nature itself is celebrating its own beauty.

I am thankful for snow! This is my first experience with snow in my entire life. Before coming here, I had only seen snow in movies, never actually experiencing it. My first encounter with snow felt like stepping into a dream. The crisp chill in the air and the soft crunch beneath my feet were unlike anything I had ever felt before. Snow taught me to appreciate the beauty of nature in its purest form, and I am truly grateful for this unforgettable experience.

[photographs by Sai Sandeep Vunnam]