Starting New Thanksgiving Traditions

 By Emily Young MA ‘16

Thanksgiving is about being thankful.  I am thankful to be at USC playing the sport that I love at the most elite level.  What our team does everyday is what so many players dream of.  But most importantly, I am thankful I get share my college experience with my teammates.  My teammates are the most incredible individuals and they are my family.

Playing NCAA athletics, I’ve never had the chance to go home for Thanksgiving during college, but I’ve been fortunate to start new Thanksgiving traditions.  Whether I’ve been adopted to a teammates’ house or have held a Thanksgiving team dinner, I’ve had the privilege of sharing grace and all I am thankful for.  I wanted to pass this blessing on to you and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays!

Dear lord,

Today is a joyous occasion

We gather here with your love

Thankful for each other

And what you have provided from above.

Our table is blessed and bountiful

With a large turkey so fine

Stuffing, gravy and fixings

That surely will taste divine

All together, beaming laughing

And my, that pie looks so kind

When I eat three pieces

I hope you won’t mind.

Those closest to thy heart

Sharing this meal under one roof

You mean the world to me

And that’s the truth!

~Emily