Though the time has passed for explicit shows of giving thanks (at least, in the name of our cherished holiday, Thanksgiving), I would like now to take the time to appreciate our dining hall, Wismer. Here's a list of reasons why you should be grateful to have the cafeteria we do.

1. You don't have to cook.

What would I do without the dining hall? Actually cook my own food? Of course not; I'd never do that while living on campus. It would be take out food and admittedly delicious but always oddly-textured Hot Pockets for me. People who actually make me food in Wismer save me from having to cook for myself, and for that, I cannot describe how thankful I am.

2. The food doesn't completely suck.

It's basically a national pastime to complain about your school's food, but can we please move past that and admit that it really isn't that bad? I know it's not the food we grew up with, but what more can you ask for? It's hot, cooked, and you can eat as much of it as you want. It's basically a buffet for every meal.

3. There's a variety of options every meal.

We have actual stations! With different types of food! Do you have that at home? I sure don't. Most of the time I swing into the dining hall with no idea what I feel like eating. Here, I can meander through the cafeteria and find something I like. For most people, if you don't like what your parents' serve for dinner, you can go suck an egg.

4. The dining hall is clean (most of the time).

Every surface gets wiped down at least once, and really, what more can I ask for when I haven't once vacuumed the carpet in my own dorm room?

5. It's a place to relax.

Sure, you technically can do work in the cafeteria, but I prefer to use it as a space to have a break in between writing my sad excuses of final papers. Invite your friends; make it a date!

6. Theme nights.

Travel around the world through Wismer's themed dinners! Instead of eating the normal cafeteria food, take a chance and spend the extra meal swipe on these exclusive, catered dinners.

7. Management is open to suggestions.

They send out surveys at least once a semester. There are also cards by the door that we can use to give feedback for the dining hall. We have the means to voice our opinions on the food or anything else about the dining hall, why not make use of it?