This column was set to run last Wednesday, but unfortunately The Daily Beacon did not print that day. However, we can strive to be thankful every day, not just on Thanksgiving. As I put my list together, I realized that the things I’m thankful for fall into a several broad themes. In sharing what I’m thankful for, I hope that you too can identify aspects of your life that you appreciate. And now, to my list:
Family: I am thankful for the people that have supported me throughout my life. Without my mom and dad, Donna and David Tipton, I would not be half of the man I am today. My two older brothers, Spenser and Taylor Tipton, are the best siblings I could have ever asked for. Even Leonard and Punky (my cats), Raphael and Oscar (my fish), Katie (my sister-in-law), and Mannie, the angry chinchilla, all contribute to make my life a better place. Without these people (and pets), my life would be severely lacking in compassion, comfort, and joy.
Friends: I am thankful for those whom I have shared experiences with along the way. My friends Daniel Hamm and Matthew Bettis have known me for quite a while, and know how tough it is to be my friend at times. For sticking with me over the years, I am thankful. Even my new or growing relationships have a high value in my life. I am thankful that during this semester I met Matt Culbert, Casey Martin, Amy Veracco, and Rachel Webb. They are my awesome Microbiology buddies who provide me with both academic support and comic relief. Last, but certainly not least, I appreciate my girlfriend, Victoria Knight. She provides the compassion and support that few others can give, and for this I am exceedingly thankful. Also, her 21st birthday is on November 27th and she wants me to wish her happy birthday in a column, so here it is.
Work: In today’s world, having a job is something to value. Currently, I am in two working environments that have turned out to be blessings. First, I am involved with the United Residence Halls Council here at UT and could not ask for a better executive board to work with. Promoting community on campus seems like more fun than work, and the relationships I build through it will last a lifetime. I also do research in the Center for Environmental Biotechnology on campus, and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. My coworkers Alexandra Lynn and Jun Wang have grown to be two of my closest friends. My supervisors, Dr. Melanie Eldridge and Dr. Michelle Connolly, serve as incredible academic mentors, and I am thankful to get to work alongside such professionals.
Opportunities: We live in a country where we have the ability to vote, choose our careers, go to school, receive fast and advanced medical care, watch TV, take hot showers, drink clean water, enjoy football games and type columns on laptops. The list goes on and on. We are so isolated from the rest of the world that it is easy to forget all of the liberties that have been afforded to us. We are so far removed from times of strife that we do not understand what it means to fight and die for these liberties. People from around the world still flock to the United States. That’s why it is known as the land of opportunity. I am thankful for the freedom that has been afforded to me.
Please, this holiday season, consider what you are thankful for. If needed, let the people who are responsible know how you feel. Gratitude often puts things in perspective and allows us to have a greater grasp on the world around us. In today’s society, a little appreciation goes a long way.
— Hunter Tipton is a senior in microbiology. He can be reached at [email protected]
