I remember my first Thanksgiving Day in America four years ago. I was excited for a vacation, but at the same time I felt lonely. My family lived in South Korea, and most restaurants were closed, so I stayed in my apartment. The following year I visited my friend’s house with my roommate, and we prepared Korean food as a gift. We had a wonderful American Thanksgiving dinner, and my friend’s parents liked our Korean food. The next year my friends and I lined up at Best Buy at 3 a.m. for Black Friday, an interesting aspect of American culture. It was freezing and dark, but it was fun to see lots of people waiting for a discount. Last year I went to my Italian friend’s house, watched the cooking, helped set the tables, and ate a great Italian-American Thanksgiving dinner. There were more than fifteen family members who were very welcoming and friendly. I felt as comfortable as if I were with my own family.
If you can’t visit your family this year, there is a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, including turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie at PSU hosted by International Student and Scholar Services, the Organization of International Students, Residence Life and the Multicultural Center. It is on Wednesday, November 23rd, from 6 to 8 p.m. at SMSU 355. The cost for the event is $5. Sign up at East Hall 122 by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 18th.
What are you up to on Thanksgiving Day? Do you have any recommendations?