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The power of gratitude

Right around the corner is Thanksgiving, a holiday associated with gratitude. But everyday gratitude helps improve the quality of our lives and relationships while offering health benefits.

“Gratitude seems to be the gift that keeps on giving,” Sara Algoe, a professor in the psychology and neuroscience department, told The New York Times.

We asked students around campus a series of questions related to gratitude. Keep reading to see how they answered.

What are you grateful for this semester?

  • Elizabeth Teka

    “One thing I'm grateful for is understanding professors. That's one thing that makes a big difference.”

    Elizabeth Teka, junior
  • Miller Mathison

    “My friends, my close circle and my family have really been a great help. I think they've been really good to have around. (They’re) motivating. If I'm being maybe a little down on myself or I'm stressed about midterms, finals, tests, whatever it is. It's good to have that support group.”

    Miller Mathison, junior
  • Maria Morales

    “I’m grateful for winter break. I’m going to Costa Rica with a club, the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). We’re going for nine days, so I’m grateful for that.”

    Maria Morales, sophomore

Expressing gratitude

What do you take for granted?

  • Nerrissa Crawford

    “Just being out on campus more and participating in different events that campus might host. Because sometimes I just get caught up in, like, ‘You know what, I'll just go back to my room. I have a lot of work to do.’ But sometimes you can take a minute and just step out and enjoy whatever's going on, especially outside.”

    Nerrissa Crawford, junior
  • Dalvin Tsay

    “Diversity — not just in terms of people but in thinking and in modes and walks of life. I come from Los Angeles, so I grew up basically around diversity. But I feel like UNC is one of the most diverse communities in the Triangle, and, you know, it makes me feel at home.”

    Dalvin Tsay, doctoral student
  • Laila Valentine

    “I definitely take for granted the resources that are available here because there's just so many different organizations, so many different ways to get support in whatever you need. And I think sometimes when you're stuck in a problem, you don't really see that, but then when you're outside of it, you can observe everything.”

    Laila Valentine, junior

What's the best compliment you've given recently?

  • Täu Moon

    “One of my best friends, I told her the other day that her personality has a nice texture. She asked what that meant, and I just meant that she is able to work well with people. Whenever she's met with rough things, she's able to work around it. Her personality and her character create something that I couldn't describe with a small word alone.”

    Täu Moon, senior
  • Ella Williams

    “I told my roommate how great she was, complimenting how she was able to talk me through academic stuff, and she just did a really good job.”

    Ella Williams, sophomore