Students at Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) come from more than 80 countries and all 50 states. This Thanksgiving, some students are spending the holiday in the United States for the first time, while others are staying on campus until Christmas and finding new ways to celebrate.
For many college students who cannot travel home due to expensive flights, traditional holiday foods are more than just meals—they represent memories of family and belonging. Annual traditions such as special meals help these students feel connected to home.
Jasmine Vega, a freshman studying pre-health biology, shared her favorite Thanksgiving memory: joining her church with her family to give food to those in need. She said this experience allowed her family to reflect on the deeper meaning of the holiday.
Brooke Jones, a sophomore majoring in marketing, remembered hosting annual pie contests with her family. Competing over who could bake the best pie became a central part of their Thanksgiving tradition.
Jones commented on the importance of gratitude during Thanksgiving, saying it is a “great time to take a step back, come together, and really sit in that gratitude.” She noted that people often move through life without pausing to appreciate their blessings or the presence of family. According to Jones, even something as simple as eating pumpkin pie made by a grandmother can be meaningful when approached with gratitude.
Vega added that knowing her family is there brings her comfort. She described preparing her well-known Thanksgiving stuffing and how its aroma helps ground her during the holiday.
Even when students cannot gather with their families, they find other ways to make Thanksgiving meaningful. Vega suggested that it is an opportunity to “find the traditions you want to start,” whether by spending time with friends or trying new recipes.
International students at PBA have access to events like “Friendsgiving,” hosted by the International Student Services Office during Thanksgiving week. These gatherings allow students to share unfamiliar dishes and create new traditions together, fostering a sense of community and gratitude.
To learn more about student life at Palm Beach Atlantic University, visit https://www.pba.edu/campus-life/.
