Have you ever really thought about what you were thankful for? It may seem like such a small question, yet it can warrant so many different and unique answers. I decided to ask 36 different teachers and faculty in Mohawk “what are two things you’re thankful for?” I got a lot of answers, many the same but also a few unique ones that I would love to highlight.
The first person asked, Mr Bshero, an English teacher (among other subjects) answered with the somewhat simple sounding “freedom.” He is thankful to live in a free country, where he doesn’t have to worry about where he might find shelter, food, and safety. He is simply happy that although he does have inconveniences, they are small and have simple fixes. For instance, an appliance in his home had something wrong with it. While that is inconvenient, it’s a simple fix which he understands and knows what to do about. Versus what could happen if he lived in a third world country, where he could be fighting not only for food, or shelter but for simple rights and even life.
Another person asked was Mr McNeish, a 6th grade science teacher (although he does also teach ASL). While many teachers said they are thankful for their job, coworkers and the students they teach, he answered with “The 6th grade administration and staff”. He is thankful for his fellow teachers, the students he teaches and interacts with, as well as his bosses and administrators who allow him to come in every day and do his job.
Many people did say they were thankful for their health as well as their family’s, but Mr Doub, a history teacher, had an interesting addition to it. When asked “what are two things you’re thankful for?” he answered with “Health and Hand sanitizer”. If you know him, you know this answer is very on brand. He is more scared of germs than Carthage’s land is of salt. Along with that, make sure you wash your hands often, and don’t sneeze without covering your mouth, especially in Mr Doub’s class.
Mr Castor, a biology teacher, had a very interesting answer. When asked, he stated that along with his family, he was simply thankful for the things he has that others would consider luxuries. He is thankful for the items he owns that others could only dream of owning, that he may take for granted. We all have something like this, whether it’s as simple as a phone or as big as a second home for the holidays. There is something you may have that another would consider a luxury.
Finally, I asked Mrs DeGarmo, a Spanish teacher the same question. She had a very meaningful response, she’s thankful for not only the Spanish speaking world, but also for Jesus defeating death, and allowing for our sins to be forgiven. While four teachers did say they were thankful for God or their faith, she went through a much deeper level. Whether you are religious or not, this is a very thoughtful and beautiful message in which we can all appreciate.
There are so many things that our teachers are thankful for, and so many that you can be thankful for as well. As simple as it may sound, make a point to ask yourself what you are thankful for today. Whether it’s big or small, silly or serious it does matter, and you should spend some time thinking about and appreciating it.
