The Jambar Editorial Board has discussed and written about heavy topics this semester including Youngstown State University’s response to a reported rape on campus, rape culture, domestic violence, the Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting and more.
Sometimes we must take a step back and also discuss the positive things in life. In light of Thanksgiving next week, we have decided to write what we are thankful for this holiday season.
I have the pleasure of having an innumerable amount of things to be thankful for in my life. First and foremost, I am forever grateful for the support my family gives me during every high and low in my life. Secondly, I can never express how thankful I am for the staff at The Jambar. As editor-in-chief, every single member of the staff reminds me why I do what I do and pushes me to continue to better my journalism craft every day. I love working with all of you and I cannot thank you all enough for the memories we have made thus far. And last, but not least, I am thankful for anyone who has helped me get to where I am today. Thank you for encouraging me to be me, no matter how many times I fall. I can always count on someone to be there, and I can never say thank you enough for that simple pleasure. Have a happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Morgan Petronelli
Editor-in-Chief
It is difficult for me to condense all the things I am thankful for into a few sentences because there are so many people that have impacted my life in a positive way. Throughout college, my family, friends and “Jamily” have been what keeps me going. My parents are my true rocks, and they have been instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today. They have also dealt with my craziness and love for animals, which is a difficult task. But overall, I want to say thank you, thank you to every person who has listened, helped and guided me throughout life because I don’t know where I would be without you. You each have pushed me to be a better version of myself every day.
Rachel Gobep
Managing Editor
For me, this year has been a time where I’ve had life experiences on both ends of the spectrum: great joy and great loss. I have been able to travel to Mexico and other parts of the U.S., meet amazing people and experience great new things. I also lost my grandfather and childhood dog, learned hard life lessons and struggled with personal obstacles. In the end however, these experiences have taught me to be even more grateful for those who stand by me, the time we have with those we love and the memories we have of the good times. Thank you to my amazing family, friends and as always, my “Jamily”. Life can be hard, but with the right people, the bad times become bearable.
Samantha Welch
Head Copy Editor
I’m thankful for my fiercely loyal friends and family, especially my “Jamily”. I know that regardless of how much time passes, we can always pick up where we left off. This year, I’ve had the ability to do what I love everyday surrounded by people who push me to be the best version of myself. I’m thankful the significantly important things like my health and the health of my loved ones, but also simple pleasures like our Jambar advisor Dave Davis coming into our office every Wednesday with pizza for our staff. All in all, I’m thankful for this life and the path I’ve chosen that has led me to incredible opportunities and inspiring individuals.
Alyssa Weston
News Editor
In life, it seems that things only get worse in the world but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to be thankful for. Of course, as the sports editor at The Jambar, I am thankful for everything this place has given me and the people in it. I will always be thankful for sports at every level (high school, college and professional). Journalism is something to be cherished, and I most certainly do. Without sports and journalism, I wouldn’t know who I am and for that, I am eternally grateful and thankful for everything I’ve earned. On top of that, I have an incredible set of parents and the rest of my family is special in their own way. Life really is incredible, is it not?
Marc Weems
Sports Editor
My list of things that I am thankful for has grown quite a bit over the course of this year. I want to first and foremost thank God for blessing me with the most wonderful, loving and supportive people who I have in my life. They know who they are, and I would be absolutely nothing without them and I wouldn’t be who I am today. I’m thankful for my dad and my brother for always having my back and for always putting up with me. I love you both, and I don’t know what I would do without you guys. I am also thankful for my mentors at Youngstown State University, my newspaper family, my friends and my significant other, Eric. All of you make this carnival ride of a life a complete and total blast, and you always keep me smiling. No amount of thank yous will be enough.
Marah J. Morrison
Arts and Entertainment Editor