Thanksgiving, celebrated in a locale besides one's own home, can be just as sweet. Many University students are packing their bags for Thanksgiving Break, experiencing new places with old friends and enjoying the time off from school by breaking out of their old routines and celebrating the holiday outside of their hometowns.
Second-year College student Ali Birouti, after spending last Thanksgiving Break with his sister in Washington, D.C., has decided to join her for another celebration this year in another city.
"I'm going to visit my sister in Chicago," Birouti said. "She just moved there, and she'll be cooking her first Thanksgiving dinner. It'll be interesting since she doesn't cook."
An international student from the United Arab Emirates, Birouti will spend his second Thanksgiving in the United States, and he plans on making it a memorable experience.
"I'll also be visiting a few high school friends who are staying in Chicago, so it'll be a nice little reunion," Birouti said. "I'm also definitely going swing-dancing there, and I'm hoping to do some sight-seeing."
Third-year Commerce student Rosie Zhang, also an international student, is looking forward to spending the break away from Charlottesville and heading north for a change of scenery.
"I'm going to Boston for break with a few friends," Zhang said. "We are visiting other friends there in Boston College and MIT. It'll be nice to stay in a big city for a few days, to enjoy the different varieties of food and stores there. I don't have to stay in Charlottesville, and it will be a nice break from studying."
On the other hand, some University students decided to experience Thanksgiving Break abroad. Third-year Education student Jennifer Shumate is celebrating her first Thanksgiving out of the country over break.
"My boyfriend's studying abroad in London, so this is my chance to see him," Shumate said. "It's my first experience going out of the country. We have plans to get together with some of the other exchange students to celebrate Thanksgiving."
Fourth-year College student Beth Garrison is breaking from tradition and seeking to spend her vacation in Israel.
"I'm going to Israel for the first time," Garrison said. "My sister is studying abroad over there, so I'm going with a good friend of mine. It's an interesting place to go, and I'm going to visit the holy land."
For Garrison, this trip also includes a change in her usual Thanksgiving diet.
"I won't be having turkey, and I won't be with my family," Garrison said. "I'm not going to Thanksgiving in the way of having a big meal, but just by giving thanks"
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