Just around the corner is a day young and old alike can celebrate together: St. Paddy's Day. This day dedicated to remembering the death of Saint Patrick himself has become a holiday focused on food, friends, and any alcohol that is green.

However, here at James Madison University, we have just a few extra reasons to feel lucky this year...

1. The Quad.

It doesn't matter if it's rainy and cold or hot and sunny, walking down to the quad will always brighten up your day. With Wilson hall as the perfect backdrop for all of your photoshoots, the quad cats, dogs running around, and your squad, the quad is something we should never take for granted.

2. Football.

if you've never been to a JMU football game, I feel sorry for you, genuinely I do. The atmosphere at Bridge-forth Stadium during a game is unlike anything you will experience in your lifetime.

3. Food.

Fifth in the nation, but first in our hearts. Between quinoa bowls from SSC, peanut butter pie at E-hall, Mongolian at Top Dog (rip after this year), or salads from UREC; JMU dining does a phenomenal job giving us as students lots of options when it comes to food choices.

4. The academics.

With midterms in our rearview and the preparation for finals soon beginning, it's hard to feel "lucky" for all of this work. Think about it. We are #blessed to be able to attend a university that prides itself on such rigorous course loads! Yeah, it sucks, but we will be better people one day because of it.

5. The people.

Honestly, not to gas ourselves up but as a student body, we are pretty damn awesome. The people here are unlike people I've met anywhere else. They love you for who you are, they support you, they laugh with you, cry with you, and motivate you. Man, they're just irreplaceable.

6. The free stuff.

Whether it's free shirts during FROG week, free tots at UPB's Late Night Breakfast, free comedians, free Bibles from local pastors... I think you can pick up on the common theme between all of these, it's FREE.

7. The opportunities.

The opportunities here are literally endless. Want to travel? Sign up for a study abroad program. Want to meet new people? Rush a sorority/fraternity. Not into Greek life? Join one of JMU's other three hundred organizations. Want to stay to yourself? Go for it. With resume help, interview tips, travel options, service trips, so many orgs, and literally SO much more, there's nothing that JMU doesn't provide... except a parking space.

8. The extracurriculars.

Whether you rush a sorority/fraternity, join the University Program Board, Saferides, Student Ambassadors, club sports, campus ministries, or diversity organizations; you name it, JMU has it.