I’m thankful to be over mono. Being sick for seven months really made me appreciate being healthy. I’m thankful I was given the opportunity to attend the past two national college media conventions, which were vital learning experiences, especially since UAM only has one journalism professor. I’m thankful for The Voice -- even if it is only online -- and the opportunity I’ve been given to serve as editor. I’m thankful that Thanksgiving break is next week and then Christmas break isn’t far behind. I’m thankful that graduation is within sight. And, of course, I’m thankful for my supportive family.

Michael Ford
Editor-in-Chief

   As the semester draws to a close, I have many good fortunes to give thanks for. I thank karma for the $5 bill I found on the ground the day I had no money and no smokes. I must give thanks for the opportunities that knocked at my door this semester. Most of all, I must thank all those people in my life that keep me sane and happy. Finally, I thank Java City and the Bookstore for keeping me in constant supply of caffeine, because without that, I would not have made it this far. In closing, I must thank the heavens for humor, patience and understanding – for those virtues in others have made my life very pleasant.  Thanks to all and to all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Brooke Burger
Managing Editor

 I am blessed beyond measure. My little family is the greatest and most supportive and my future in-laws are some of the most wonderful people I know. I am loved by many people and I hope never to forget that. My church family is the best; I am deeply thankful for them. I am also blessed by my little circle of friends and loved ones: you know who you are. One thing for which I always express gratitude is the sacrifice made by the veterans and soldiers of our great country. I would never want to live anywhere else and I appreciate every freedom that was bought with their sacrifices. I am also grateful that I have had this opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings with the school through Student Publications. God is so good and every day He rocks my face off. 

Sally Lybrand
Commentary Editor 

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   Every year around Thanksgiving, I really start considering what it truly is that I am thankful for. Of course, I'm thankful for the way God has truly blessed me. I have a wonderful fiancé. I'm thankful that I finally found a guy that can put up with me. I'm very thankful for my family. My sister, Ashley, who is 17-years-old, is my best friend and I'm very thankful for her. I'm also thankful for my mom and my little brother, Matt. Without my family, I would not have come as far as I have in life. I'm also thankful for my wonderful sorority sisters. The ladies of Sigma Sigma Sigma are wonderful women and I do not know what I would do without them.

Danielle Thomas
Arts & Entertainment Editor

   What am I thankful for? The first thing that comes to my mind is my family and health. I have been blessed with a wonderful family and good health. My family is not only my loving support, but also my best friends. They have been there for me whenever I have needed. I also have a great support of my friends. Most people don’t have the privilege of having even one true friend, I have three wonderful friends that love and support me in any area that I endeavor. I have many things that I am thankful for including my family, friends and my good health.

Lori Andrews
Staff Writer

   I am thankful for my health, family, friends and just being able to accomplish some of the goals that I set for myself this year.

Sheena Garrard
Staff Writer

   I am thankful for the true friends that I have. I have come to discover that true friends are few and far in between. Sometimes it takes going through stressful situations to decipher between the real ones from the fake ones, but nonetheless I am grateful to have them in my life.

Jennifer Jackson
Staff Writer

  It’s weird to think that things are finally falling into place for me. I am incredibly thankful for the amazing friends in my life. Time and time again they always have encouraging words for me and they never judge me no matter how bad I screw up. My family, although we are a tad dysfunctional, is quite amazing and I thank them for always believing in me and pushing me to my limits. I’m also thankful for the wonderful opportunities that college has provided me with. I dreaded the thought of coming to Monticello for college. I grew up swearing I’d never attend this school but here I am actually enjoying myself. Probably the most important thing I’m thankful is my gracious God who never fails me. Without Him I would have nothing to be thankful for.

Candy May
Staff Writer

      As I look back at the year, I see what I am thankful for.

   I am thankful for several things. Most important for the gift of unconditional love my boyfriend Morris shows. But, also for his patience and understanding with me going through this trying time in my life. He’s been there more than most and supports me and tells me “it’s going to be okay.” I could not be thankful for him enough; he’s my world and the love of my life.

   I am thankful the gift of friendship, the past few months for my friends and I have been difficult. Some things were said and some actions shown by me hurt them. I am grateful their forgiveness, their patience and even more so for their love too. And they have kept being my friends through everything. I now know even more so they will always be there for me to count on them. When it seems like others. And for that I am truly thankful for.

   I would also like to say that I am thankful for the ability to see and hear. I am thankful to see the trees change colors. Back home in Dallas, I don’t see that happen too often. I am thankful to be able to hear. Recently, I attended a concert at University of Arkansas-Monticello, and to be able to hear the music was wonderful to my ears. In my family I have a medical condition that could cause me to lose those senses. I never know when or if I will lose those senses.

Brittany Pickett
Staff Writer

   I am thankful for, above all, my family. Without their support, I would not be the person that I am today. I am thankful for all of the friends that I have met since I have been in college, and all the people that still believe in me even though I do not often give them much to believe in. I give thanks to all the opportunities presented to me even though I don’t think I deserve them most of the time.

Marcus Roberts
Staff Writer

   I am most thankful for my brother. He is the strongest influence on me. There is a huge age gap between the two of us and I have always felt that was an odd thing. However, after facing the painful loss of my father four years ago, due to a sudden stroke, I feel that my brother has stepped into his role. He is always there for me and knows just what to do to put a smile on my face.

Amber Rowe
Staff Writer

   The thing I am most thankful for is my parents. It may be the biggest cliché for any son or daughter, but I was so blessed to have such understanding and loving parents. Growing up we never fought, I never went without anything, and never in one moment not felt the love from both of them. My dad taught me every meaningful thing I learned, from tying fishing baits and throwing a curveball to taking everything I am taught at face value and figuring it out on my own. My mom showered me with love, never missing any event I was in, no matter how meaningless it was. I would not be half the person I am without them.

Kevin Sims
Staff Writer

      Each day I wake up I am thankful for the gift of life. I look around at all the beautiful things in creation that surround me and I am thankful that I’m here another day to enjoy them and capture all their wonder. I hold my family members and friends very dear and  thank God they remain healthy and at peace with each other. I am thankful for my country and the men and women that are fighting to protect it across the globe. I am thankful for the many opportunities I have been given in this life and consider it my responsibility to give back to humanity in some small way for all that I’ve received.

Nancy Stephan
Staff Writer

   Each year I ask the staff to explain why they're thankful during Thanksgiving season. I'm thankful for this year's staff, which I consider to be among the best I've had at The Voice. I'm also thankful for the students last spring who kept The Voice going when it looked to be in trouble from attrition. I'm thankful for an administration who understands the need for journalism on a university campus. On a personal note, I thank God for my family and friends, i.e. my "chosen" family, scattered around the world. I'm thankful that the Lord brought my cousin and his family home from their missionary work in Canada to be near my aunt. I'm thankful for the obstacles I've overcome that helped shape my life. I'm thankful for our armed forces fighting for the ideals of freedom and wish them Godspeed in their efforts to return home safe. And as always, I'm thankful for you, the reader, for keeping up with The Voice and helping us cover the campus. I hope you have a great holiday season.

Ronald Sitton, Ph.D.
Voice and Boll Weevil Adviser