Being that Penn State is one of the largest universities in the country, diversity is unavoidable -- but despite the fact thatthere are thousands of students with different backgrounds, ethnicities and interests, all 40,000 of us know how lucky we are to attend such an incredible institution. I could make a list of about 1,000 things that I am thankful for, but instead I will just name a few of the things that all Penn Staters are appreciative of.

1. Football season. This one is a given. Whether you are an NFL fan or not, every Penn State student is a diehard Nittany Lion fan. No matter what the circumstances, we will be up at 7 a.m. tailgating, or standing in the stands while it snows, to show our support for our team. There is nothing quite like an afternoon spent in the number one student section in the country, and none of us would trade that for the world.

2. THON. Another obvious one. It is a truly incredible and rewarding experience to be involved in a great cause that just happens to be the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. On this annual life changing weekend, Penn State students set aside their differences and dance for the children that we have spent an entire year raising money for. It is impossible to explain to someone who has never experienced THON why it is so amazing, which reminds us how blessed we to be a part of it.

3. Daylong season. Ah, daylong season. When the time to shed our winter coats and break out the cardigans and polarized aviators has finally arrived, all seems right in the world. What could possibly be better than being able to enjoy the fresh air for the first time in months while pounding a few Nattys?

4. Order Up. God bless Order Up, and the fact that if we want to lay in bed all day, we can do so without starving. There is nothing more convenient than Order Up on a Saturday at 3 a.m. or on a Sunday afternoon spent doing absolutely nothing. Thank you for enabling our lazy life style, Order Up. We appreciate you.

5. BJC concerts. Although this year has not particularly lived up to last year’s standards, the Bryce Jordan Center hosts some of the greatest performers that college campuses see. I am still in disbelief that in one year I saw Zedd, Bassnectar, Jay-Z, Kanye and Hardwell, and spent less than $300 doing so. Most colleges would be lucky to have one of those artists come to perform, let alone all five of them and more. 

6. Extracurriculars. Coming to Penn State is overwhelming for anybody, no matter how many people they know, or how many connections they have. I did not think that there was a way to make such a big school smaller unless I went Greek. However, after adjusting to the big school environment and hearing about other ways to get involved, I realized that this was far from true. It is possible for anybody to find their family, here at Penn State, which is not the case for many colleges, big or small.

7. And finally, the culture. The love that students have for Penn State is truly one of a kind. Each time I participate in a “We Are” chant, or walk past Old Main on my walk to class, I am overwhelmed with a sense of pride and spirit that most other college students will never experience. Despite the student body’s diversity, we all become a part of the Penn State culture that makes this university what it is -- and for that, we will be forever grateful.