Bonners Are Thankful For…

Bonners Are Thankful For…

November 14, 2018 Reflections from Changemakers 56


Gobble Gobble Bonners! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to reflect on what you are thankful for.
In this blog post, please write about what you are thankful for at your service site, in your academics, and in your personal life.

56 Responses

  1. Andrew Tessman says:

    I am thankful that I have finally found my academic niche within Siena College, and picked a major and minor for good. I am thankful that I am studying abroad next semester and can get away from this campus for a semester. I am thankful that there are only seven weeks of classes left. I am thankful that we are changing the clocks again very soon. I am thankful that Spring is right around the corner. I am thankful for having a site with a lot of great people. I am thankful for my health.

    AT

  2. Skylar Nijhawan says:

    I was thankful for a lot this year. I was thankful to have my Bonner family, my new friends and of course my family. My mom is a big part of my life and it has always been me and her against the world, or any problem I may face and I am thankful she is always there for me. I am thankful for all the people I have met at my service site and the fact that they have all accepted me with open arms. I am also thankful that at my service site we get to try and bride the gap in education to try and help high school student have an easier transition into college writing.

  3. Emerald Power says:

    As my Senior Year at Siena and as a Bonner continues I reflect on how blessed I have been for the opportunities I have had. To be able to attend a four-year institution and be a member of an incredible service program, has allowed me to travel the world broaden my horizons and experiences. I am excited to see what this last chapter of the journey has in store.

  4. Kelly says:

    Proud of you!

  5. ginger spice says:

    Hi Peeps!!!

    This is late but I’m still grateful! I’m really thankful for the support and challenges I’m given at Sunnyview Hospital. My supervisor has almost forced me to accept my strengths and give light to what I do well but also to be intentional in fixing my flaw. For that, I’m grateful!

    My academics have really flowed together this semester and I’ve learned more in Fall 2018 than any other semester I’ve had ON campus (this excludes study abroad of course).

    Personal life? I’m grateful! I’d like my personal life to stay personal but please know we’re rocking and rolling over in my hizz house!

    LOVE YOU ALL

  6. A'Livija Mullins-Richard says:

    Service Site: I am grateful for the respect I receive about my opinions and my time spent there.
    Academics: I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to attend college and to be able to afford it.
    Personal Life: Im grateful for everyday that I wake up in the morning in good health.

  7. Julia says:

    I have so much to be thankful for!! At the Boys and Girls club I am so grateful for the most supportive site team ever!! They have helped me tremendously in gaining the confidence to start a program. I am also so very thankful for the kids at BGCA. Whenever I’m having a bad day they always make me smile (I know it sounds cheesy but its true!). I’m also thankful for the staff at BGCA, for making me feel welcomed. In my academics I am thankful for my professors. I have loved every class I took this semester and I can’t wait to meet new professors in the spring. Finally, in my personal life, I am so so sooooo thankful for my family and friends. I wouldn’t be where I am today with out them. And of course, I am forever thankful for my Bonner family!

  8. Kenia Ramirez says:

    In this blog post, please write about what you are thankful for at your service site, in your academics, and in your personal life.

    I am thankful for many things in my life. One, I am thankful for TRIP staff members and the opportunities they have given me. Second, Siena has given me an array of opportunities through my classes and major, and lastly, I am beyond thankful for my friends and family.

  9. Kiara Woodward says:

    I am thankful for so many things. At my service site I am grateful for the staff that continues to support me. As well as the fellow Bonner’s at my site that never disappoint with their amazing work at Green Tech. As far as academics I am grateful for a solid semester. In my personal life I have to thanks my friends and family who provide continued support and keep life interesting.
    A special shoutout to Kelly. I am extremely thankful for you. You will be missed but I am so happy to see what you accomplish in this season of you life.

    B-love always,
    Kiara

  10. Justin Kenyon says:

    I am incredibly thankful for many things, especially for the opportunity to be apart of Bonner and CPI. Both have granted me many opportunities to be involved in my local community and campus. Sites like TRIP have given me many opportunities to serve in both Albany and Troy. All of this with many other opportunities that I’ve been granted here at Siena.

  11. Megan R Jones says:

    Expressing gratitude is something that keeps us humble and grounded in times of our success and our failures. It allows us to reflect on the people and things that have greatly influenced our lives on the daily and show appreciation. Thankfulness is something that we often forget to show as we get caught up in our own lives, but should be spread consistently.

    At my service site, I am grateful for my incredible team who all bring their own talents to the meetings while sharing a passion for education, youth development, and our lil munchkins.

    In my academics I am grateful for professors who care and give encouragement (even if it’s in the most honest and brutal way that they express it) and classes that remind me of why I am pursuing the path I chose. Something I need to remember more often is that my education is a privilege and an important part of my future, especially since not everyone is granted the same opportunities, and I am grateful that I am here with all the opportunity provided at this institution.

    Finally, I am grateful for those in my life who show unconditional support, love, and share in most of my favorite memories. I am grateful for those who are near and far, those who are more presently in my life and those who no longer are. I am grateful for all opportunities that allow me to explore my passions and indulge myself further in understanding some sort of purpose that I may have. I appreciate so much in my life and am grateful for where I am headed in this rollercoaster that is life.

    -Meg J

  12. Meghan Conboy says:

    I am super thankful for my incredible site supervisor and all we’ve accomplished at CMA thus far! I am thankful for the great psych department at Siena, and all the opportunities I have had within the department. I am especially thankful for my family (particularly my sister, who is officially a Siena Saint Class of 2023!), friends, and the Siena community.

    B-Love,
    Meg

  13. Isabella Barone says:

    I am so incredibly thankful and grateful for so much in my life, I’m not even sure where to start. I am so grateful to be a part of this incredible Bonner family for so many reasons. I’ve never been in such a supportive and lovely group before, and I’ve made so many amazing friends here. I’m honestly tripping over my words because I am amazed at how amazing this group is. Although it is hard, I know I have support, which is such a wonderful feeling to have. Bonner supports you, and to help support others is an unexpected but gratifying gift.

    Thank you guys for being amazing.
    Much B-Love,
    Bella

  14. Nancy Rasmussen says:

    I am extremely thankful for the children at my service site who inspire me and push me to be a better version of myself everyday. In regards to academics, I am very thankful to be a student at Siena. The classes here and the inspiring teachers here have offered me what no other school could have. In my personal life, I am really thankful for my family for always being there for me and my amazing friends, new and old, who bring out the best in me every single day. I’m also very grateful for the Bonner family and everything this program has given me. 🙂

  15. Nicole Pazarecki says:

    I am thankful for all the blessings I have in my life. I am grateful for my family my old friends from high school and my new friends at Siena and my education. Also I am grateful to all the people who have supported me and loved me throughout my life.

    I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and bring on Christmas!

    -Nicole Paz

  16. Rayan Omer says:

    In my service site, I am thankful for the hard-working and good-hearted team members at my site, the opportunities I am given to be a part of this site, and changes my site is creating.

    In my academics, I am thankful for my professors for helping my classmates and I whenever we need it, for the new knowledge and lessons that I am learning every day, for striving hard for the grades I want to achieve, my classmates who are humorous and ask the questions I’m afraid to ask, and waking up early for my favorite class every morning.

    In my personal life, I am thankful for my friends who have helped me become a better person and friend, for technology for allowing me to talk to my family back home, my passion for change (whether it’s change in a big perspective or personal change), and my family who help and support me even when I don’t ask for it.

  17. Andraya Perez says:

    I am very thankful for my Bonner Family and Community. I have seen myself grow from being in this Program as a freshman to now being a juinor. I am greatful for all the opportunites that this program has given me. Bonner has help me find what I am passionate about, education. More importantly I am so greatful to have the Bonner family. I truly feel like you guys are my second family and I feel like I have made some connections with people that will last a life time and I am truly greatly for that.

  18. Maddie Kousoulas says:

    There is a lot to be thankful for at my site. The students that I work with in the classroom are absolutely fantastic as are the teachers. Our supervisor is amazing and she always allows us to explore our own interests. The Girl Scout group is filled with girls with so many different passions and stories to tell. I’m also thankful for the opportunity for the education that I have and for the people who help guide it. I’m so thankful for my health, my family, my friends, and my dog.

  19. shaylaencarnacion says:

    I am thankful for everything that I have in my life. I am thankful for a supervisor who pushes me and gives me the opportunity to work on many projects. Catholic Charities and Sr. Betsy have formed me into the professional that I am today. Academically, I am thankful for the professors who teach me and are determined to help me grow as a student. In my personal life, I am thankful for all of the friends and family who have never left my side. Last but not least, I am beyond thankful for my Bonner family because college would not have been the same without you all.

    B-Love,
    Shayla

  20. Hayley Pijanowski says:

    Hey all!

    I am very thankful for the community I have found within Bonner. It is great to work with such amazing people at TRIP and I am happy that I have been able to have this experience within the last two years.

    I am also thankful for my social work community at Siena, including my professors and classmates.

    In my personal life, I am grateful for my friends and family who always support me. I have so many people in my life that are constantly standing by me through my struggles and my successes.

  21. Alyssa Lofaro says:

    At service, I thankful for the my fellow PA’s for working as such a great team and being supportive of each other. I am also thankful for Kelly and Katie who keep this program running and push me to do my best work. In my academics, I am thankful for all the professors that I have had over the last four years who have taught me so much and have allowed me to grow in my academics. I am also thankful for my capstone advisor April who has helped me develop my idea since day one, responded to my emails at 10pm and constintly corrects my grammar because we all know that it is not my strong spot. Finally, I am most thankful for my family who has given more opportunities than I could ever imagine from attending this school to going abroad. I am also very thankful for all the friends I have meet over the last four years, especially all of you.

  22. Ecli Vazquez says:

    This Thanksgiving I had a lot of fun spending time with my family. I’m so thankful for the staff and the children that are at Sunnyside. They make my day each time I go, there is always something new each day. I my personal life I would say I’m thankful for my girlfriend because she was been there for me throughout my college experience so far. As for academics I would say I’m thankful for having the best teachers. Overall, it’s been a good time and I’m glad I get to grow in many different ways

  23. Sydney Maughan says:

    I am thankful for all the people I work with at my service site and for how welcoming and positive they have been since I began service. I’m also grateful for all of the things I’ve learned about how non-profits work while serving at TRIP. And that those “above me” at my site and in Bonner are such great people and role models. I’m thankful that I have teachers who actually know what they are teaching and the enthusiasm they have. And lastly, I am thankful for all of my family and friends for being there for me and loving me unconditionally.

  24. Nia Colon says:

    I am most thankful for the kids at the Boys and Girls Club. They brighten up my day and just make me forget about all the work I have to do. So for that I am so thankful for them. With my academics, I am so happy that I am doing better than I thought I would. My classes are pretty straight forward. With the two harder classes I have I ended up doing very well in those classes. In my personal life I am thankful for my mom and the rest of my family. They have been extremely supportive and have been my rock throughout this semester.

  25. Alexee Seifert says:

    I am thankful for the people who have helped me reach my goals and gain many oppurtunities and the people who supported me all throughout my life. I am so grateful for all the huge support systems I have in my life. I am forever greatful for My mom and all the things she has done to ensure my future is great. I am happy and grateful to have gotten a good education all through my life and continuing at siena. I am thankful for all the kids at my service site that make my day a lot better and always make me look forward to service. I am thankful for all my friends and family that support me. I am also thankful to be a bonner it has helped me so far in so many ways .

  26. Lulama Nyembe says:

    When it comes to my site I am, first and foremost, thankful for my placement there. It is wonderful knowing that you work alongside a dedicated group of individuals in an effort to help those who are disenfranchised. I am also thankful for the work environment at my site; it is an inclusive and safe working environment.

    Coming into college as a freshman, I had no idea what to expect as far as academics went. I set a goal for myself and I thank the Lord that through His grace I have been able to meet that goal. I am thankful for all my wonderful professors who are dedicated to seeing their students succeed.

    One of the things I am most thankful for is those around me – family, friends (old and new) – along with their good health. I am thankful for the opportunity to be with my family again soon and I am thankful for the life I have. I have more within my reach than others can only wish to have and I am grateful for my awareness of my good fortune.

  27. Grace Harris says:

    I have so much to be thankful for this year. I have had a very hard year but that has taught me so much about myself and how much potential I have. I also learned to believe in myself and really trust the process. That being said I could not do it without my support system. I have such fantastic friends who constantly lift me up and support me in all that I do. I also am lucky enough to have a really great boyfriend who always can make me smile- and who is always willing to drive me to Walmart. My family has been my rock this year and they also have been nothing but supportive and patient with me. I am so lucky to also have my Bonner family and have an amazing site with Girl Scouts. I also am so grateful that I got to study abroad and see so much of the world! Also I am so blessed that I discovered my love for Kombucha this year.
    Love for all of you
    Grace

  28. Emma Henderschedt says:

    I am very thankful for all of the opportunities that Siena has given me, from Bonner to my semester abroad and more. I am thankful for my family who are my constant cheerleaders, my friends who push me every day, my professors who encourage me, and people like Fr. Larry who have helped me grow spiritually every day. This year, I am very thankful for my capstone advisor who is so encouraging, my housemates who have become my second family, and my social work field placement that has made me reflect a lot on what I want to do in the future. I am thankful for all of you Bonners, and for how this program has shaped me into the individual I am today!

    B-Love & Happy Holidays!
    Emma

  29. LILIANA SANCHEZ ADAMES says:

    First of all, I am thankful for all the blessings God has thrown my way. I feel like even though this month have been full of downs, I can say I am thankful for my friends and family. I am also thankful for the mistakes I have made because from those same mistakes I have learned to become a better version of myself. I am also thankful for my Bonner Family because you guys believe it or not have become part of my support system.

    Stay Blessed!

  30. Amelia Butler says:

    This semester has truly been one of the hardest times in my entire life, but it has taught be to be grateful for what I have to never take it for granted. I am so thankful for all of the love and support I have gotten from my family, friends, professors, Capital Roots family, and fellow Siena Saints. It has made losing my mother a little easier knowing that I have people who are there for me. I am so thankful for the patience I have been shown while getting myself caught up both personally and in my academics. I am also so thankful that I am surrounded by seemingly endless amounts of love on a daily basis. I am blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life, and I am glad that I am recognizing them and making a conscious effort to never take their support for granted again.

  31. Shelby Doren says:

    I am thankful for Bonner and the community it has opened me up to. The people I met in Bonner have been very supportive and helpful. I am also thankful for my parents who are always there when I need them. Lastly I am very thankful for all the close friends I have made at Siena, without them my first semester would have not been the same. <3

  32. Harriet Koblenzer says:

    I am very thankful for the people who have gotten to me where I am today, and the people who support me today. I am so grateful for all the oppurtunities I have gotten in my life. My parents blessed me with an amazing childhood, in a nice house, with a good school system.

  33. Samantha Gisleson says:

    This Thanksgiving I had a lot to be thankful for. I am always thankful for my friends and family, and for the love and support that they give me on a daily basis. I would not be who I am without the relationships I have made, including people I have known my whole life or for just a few months. I am thankful for the opportunities my parents have made available for me, and I am thankful that my friends and family are all in good health. Beyond my personal life, I am so thankful to be a Siena Saint. I am extremely grateful for the chance to pursue higher education and for all the opportunities that Siena has and will offer me. One program that I am most grateful for at Siena is Bonner. I am so thankful for the family that I have found in this program. At my specific site I am thankful for all of the amazing people that I have been able to meet and work with. This Thanksgiving season reminded me that I have so much to be thankful for this year!

  34. Danielle Dreyer says:

    please write about what you are thankful for at your service site, in your academics, and in your personal life.
    At my site, I am thankful for the friendly and welcoming staff and atmosphere, and the opportunity they have given me to help out the community. It is especially rewarding when you see the happiness and support that your site gives to others directly, and I am thankful that I have been given that experience. In terms of academics, I am thankful for my professors that already support me tremendously, and for helping me to open my mind to learning new things. In my personal life, I am thankful for my health, family, and friends, and for all the love and support they give me.

  35. Marlie says:

    I am thankful for the opportunities my site has given me. Since expressing my desire to work with health related aspects of the school, my supervisor has supported my new role. I have been able to work on new, sustainable projects at my site such as creating a health protocol for the school. I am also thankful for my family and friends who support me in everything I do. Without them, I would not be nearly as successful.

  36. Tristan Hunzinger says:

    At my site, I am thankful for the opportunity to help students achieve their goals of graduating high school and moving on to college. Being able to make even a slight difference in someone’s life is always something to be thankful for! I am also thankful for the staff I work with at Green Tech, as they have been very welcoming and supportive thus far.
    As far as school goes, I am thankful for my tremendously helpful professors and classmates. I am also very thankful for all the resources available on campus to help us succeed academically.
    In my personal life, I am thankful for my family and friends, my health, and the food from back home!

  37. Jamie del Rosario says:

    I am thankful to have a team around me as a PA with similar passions and drive. I am thankful for the new Bonners before me who bring in their unique perspectives and the old Bonners before me who have helped build the program. I am thankful to have the opportunity to attend such a wonderful college and to study something that truly interests and inspires me everyday. I am thankful for my friends and family, and my friends that are family. I am thankful to be alive and well.

  38. Kevin Ziobrowski says:

    I am thankful that I have the opportunity and privilege to serve at all, not everyone has the luxury to use their time to work for the community, they cannot afford to use their time this way. Im thankful I am able to study the things I want in school, and can afford to attend school in general. And I’m thankful for those who support me, friends and family alike.

  39. Alexis D'Aloia says:

    I am very thankful for many things at my service site. First of all, I am forever thankful to have Abby at Unity House alongside me. It’s nice to have her there to lean on, to be able to work through different obstacles and tasks with her, and to experience all of the different events that Unity House allows us to attend together. I am also thankful for the Community Resources staff that I often get to work with in which I always learn something new from. They always manage to keep me laughing throughout the day as well. In my academics I am just thankful to be able to be receiving a college education and for having the opportunity to pursue my passions. Additionally, it is great to be at a school where I can fully be myself and learn not only from my classes, but from the atmosphere around me. In my personal life, I am thankful for my family and close friends, as well as my awesome Bonner family of course!

    Happy Turkey Day!

    Alexis

  40. Gregory Winkelstern says:

    I am thankful to have a service site that has welcomed me into their workplace. Everyone at my service site has been very welcoming and kind to me as I settle into my work there. They are also very helpful by assisting me in my work and teaching me along the way.
    I am thankful to have the opportunity to continue my education. All of my professors and academic support have been fantastic so far. I have learned a lot and I have enjoyed doing so for the most part.
    I am thankful to have a happy and healthy family. I am also very thankful to see all of my friends from back at home going on in their lives and being successful and also for all of my fantastic new friends at Siena!

  41. Abby Hoekman says:

    I am thankful for all the opportunities and departments I am able to explore at Unity House, and for all the events and projects that help me to grow personally and professionally. I am thankful to have the ability to pursue a higher education and that I am invested in a major that I love. Lastly, I am thankful for my health, friends, and family that support and encourage me daily.

  42. Michael Averill says:

    I’m very thankful for my time at Siena so far. I have really enjoyed my first semester. I’m thankful to be given the opportunity to go to college and I’m grateful for the opportunities that Siena has already given me. I am now a double major with Political Science and Spanish, two subjects that I’m passionate about and am excited to build a career upon.
    I am also very appreciative of Bonner, as I have realized over these past three months how fortunate I am to be a part of a program that fights for social justice.
    I am very thankful for my friends, especially my new ones from my first year at college. I am also very thankful for my family and their unconditional love and support. I’m grateful to God for another year of good health and new experiences.

  43. Thomas Ruhl says:

    I’ve got so much to be thankful for! At service, I am so thankful for all my PA pals, and Kelly and Katie for keeping me sane, and being such great people to work with! In academics, I am so happy that my capstone is almost done. I handed in my full 34 page rough draft yesterday! And in my personal life, I am so thankful for my amazing family and friends who are always there to support me!

    Gobble Gobble, Happy Thanksgiving!

  44. Dana Wakeman says:

    I am thankful for the incredible staff at service and for my site supervisor because they are all supportive and understanding. I am thankful for the ability to obtain a higher education because so many in this country and around the world are unable to do so. I am also thankful for finding a major that I love and am passionate about. Finally, I am thankful for all of my friends, family, and Bonner family for always being there and supporting me.

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