During the past week, I have told friends and other asking students that this week's topic would be on the horrendous parking problem on this campus and my very simple easy solutions to rectify it. After further consideration I think it would behoove me to express my feelings about the upcoming holiday feast . Thanksgiving Ÿ a time of year in which we should be thankful for the many things in our life. With your consideration, I would like to express my thanks for a few things.
The first thing I'm thankful for is my parents' support during this second chance at getting my degree. In my first go-around at the UA, I fell way short of my true potential and found myself not knowing where to turn for help or what to do next. When I left campus the first time, I didn't think I was ever coming back. At that point in my life, things were just falling apart fast. I wasn't getting the grades I wanted, I was having a hard time making friends, and I felt as though I was letting down my family along with myself. Lucky for me, my family was very understanding and supportive. With their love and guidance, we sat together and figure an alternate path for my education that used Pima Community College as the means of transportation back into good standing with the UA. Now two years later I'm back with another chance and successfully completing my goal for an estimated Spring '96 graduation. So, I'm thankful for them.
Second, I'm thankful for having a much better relationship with my little sister. Even though she is going through a rough time now and we never showed much of a brother-sister relationship during our youth, I have to admit that in the past year, she has been more responsible about her actions and her responsibilities to her two daughters, that I have grown to be very proud of her. I wish you all the best, lil' sis, see you soon. Love you.
Thirdly, I'm thankful to the staff of the Daily Wildcat for giving me this great experience of writing columns. I know now that working for a newspaper is not all roses and gumdrops. I'm having a great time with it and wish I had done it earlier.
Finally, I'm thankful for all my friends. The ones who knew me the first time I was here and all the new ones from my second go-a-round. I wish all of you the best of luck and happiness in all that you seek. You all are very special people and the world is going to be a better place with you in it. Also, to all of the students whom I have not met, but have seen on campus, my best wishes go out to you too.
In closing, what I'm trying to say is that life is very short. We are only on this trip we call "life" for a short time. Enjoy life for what it is Ÿ special. Take time out of your schedule to do something you have never done before. Help those who can't help themselves, because the cold hard truth is that one day it could be you on the street corner with the cardboard sign. The holiday season is all about family and love.
So, this Thanksgiving, when you're sitting around the table with your family, look around at them and I hope you can say to yourself, "They do get on my nerves sometimes, but all in all, they do care about me and I about them as well."
Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and someone bring back a food plate!
Peace!
Eric T. Watkins is an industrial psychology senior. His column appears every other Friday.