We hope you are embracing and enjoying the wonders of fall – a season that always reminds us of the beauty that comes with surrender, releasing what has been to make way for possibilities to come. This month also brings with it, Thanksgiving, an opportunity to reflect on the people and experiences that enrich our lives and to express our gratitude.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our spectacular students. Your determination, and dedication to a vision for creating richer lives for yourselves, your families and the communities you serve, are simply awe inspiring. Having you in our Anderson family is a gift beyond measure.
We know that as students and staff you too are grateful for those who’ve supported you along your journey here at Anderson. As such, we’ve included in our Connect an invitation to join us in offering messages of “Thanks”.
Just scroll down for all the exciting details!
However you recognize this holiday, we wish you and your loved ones a day of well-deserved relaxation and rejuvenation.
In this month’s Anderson Connect, we will be sharing the following – hope you enjoy!
- A Short Story
- Creative Thanksgiving Ideas
- 2 Video Stories – Presented by Anderson
- #AndersonThanksgiving Celebration – Say Thanks to our Faculty!
Short Story – With a Heart of Gratitude
A poor blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign that said, “I am blind, please help.” There were only a few coins in his hat.
A gentleman, who was walking by, took few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat of that blind boy. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back in its place so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up with coins. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the words of sign came to see, how things were going. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, “Are you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write? ”
The man said, “I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way.” I wrote:
“This world around you is so beautiful, you can see it, but I can’t see.”
Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. While the second sign told people that they are so lucky that they are not blind. The second sign was indeed impressive and effective!
The Lesson for Us All …
Be thankful for what you have. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.
Enjoy the world with a heart of gratitude and be kind to others – it can make all the difference.
Creative Thanksgiving Ideas
Thanksgiving is usually a time when loved ones gather to celebrate one another and all they’re thankful for. With the pandemic still affecting us, we may need to get creative in how we connect once again this year. If you’re looking for ideas or want to develop some new family/friend traditions, here are our top 3, for you.
Create and Deliver with Gratitude
We can transform limited travel and restrictions into opportunities to connect and be kind in new ways. From French cuisine, and delectable Indian dishes, to good old southern cookin’, there are plenty of flavorful meals you can learn to prepare, create and deliver to the home of someone you care about, or a neighbour in need. Why not write a note of gratitude to include with your delicious gift and create a memorable Thanksgiving experience for someone who warms your heart throughout the year.
Support a Local Business
Use this holiday season as a way to support local small businesses near you. With many restaurants needing to find new ways to survive and thrive, this is your chance to spread kindness in a meaningful way. Since the holiday season is usually one of the most lucrative times for many spots, purchasing the dinner options that one of your neighborhood restaurants is offering can be a great way to support your community. It also takes away the stress that can come with cooking (especially for one). Be sure to keep an eye out for announcements from your favorite restaurants; special offers are abundant at this time of year.
Opt for a Brunch and a Family/Friend Zoom
Combining the convenience of not having to cook a traditional meal, for one or two, with a glimpse of loved ones, even if on-screen, can make you feel creative and connected. This can work especially well for essential workers unable to be home with their loved ones for dinner. Your menu can consist of easy-to-make items that still feel festive, and you can send Zoom invites in advance so friends and family will still feel you are all together. Why not throw in ‘around-the-room with gratitude’, an after dinner game of going person to person sharing what you’re thankful for.
However you choose to celebrate, we wish you a Thanksgiving that warms your heart!
Video Stories
Please enjoy two more video stories brought to you by Anderson this month.
The Trouble Tree
The Story of the Pencil
Let’s celebrate #AndersonThanksgiving by giving thanks to our Fantastic Faculty!
As you know, at Anderson College we have so much to be grateful for, at this time of year and every single day. With all the challenges we have faced and overcome together this year, it is essential that we take stock of the people who have helped make our success possible. We thought you would like to join us in this endeavour!
Our Anderson faculty members continually demonstrate their incredible compassion and unwavering commitment to our students and to our whole team. This Thanksgiving we’re inviting you to join with us to acknowledge our instructors, advisors, and mentors with a note of gratitude for their commitment and care.
Please take a moment to share a thoughtful message of thanks for a faculty member(s) who has made an impact on your life in a positive and meaningful way.
Just click here to fill out the form to send your ‘Thank You’ note before Monday, October 11, 2021.
We will look forward to publishing your wonderful messages of appreciation on our social media and public platforms.
Thank you for working with us to celebrate those who go above and beyond every day.
