By Alexa Nolasco, Nov. 26, 2024
As Thanksgiving approaches, many Cal Poly Pomona students face the question of whether to travel home or stay on campus for the break.
For some, including business computer information systems student Max Rodrigues, the distance and cost of travel make it impossible to join their families for the holiday. Rodrigues will be staying on campus for Thanksgiving because his family is eight hours away in Mendocino County.
“It’s a bit tough for me, as I won’t be able to be with them,” Rodrigues said. “But since my parents and I do not have a means or time for transportation to and from there, we collectively decided that I would be spending Thanksgiving here, much to our displeasure.”
Rodrigues plans to use the break to recharge and escape from the stress of academic life.
His plans include indulging in hobbies such as video games, podcasts and movie-watching, while also squeezing in time to prepare for exams and projects due after the break.
To keep a sense of family connection, Rodrigues and his family are finding creative ways to bridge the distance. Rodrigues said his brother devised a plan to set up a virtual spot for him at the family table.
“While they are enjoying some of the best food that comes with Thanksgiving that I know will be delicious, I will likely enjoy some ramen stored in my room,” Rodrigues said.
Despite the separation, Rodrigues stays connected to his family traditions. He fondly remembers helping his mother make homemade cranberry sauce, which reflects their unique approach to the holiday, and his favorite Thanksgiving dish is still his grandmother’s special stuffing recipe.
“Some of the best parts about it are how it includes the classics of stuffing, but it also adds some Portuguese sausage, chestnuts, celery and garlic, all mixed with some ginger soy sauce and chicken broth,” Rodrigues said.
Rodrigues plans to spend time with friends on campus, mentioning their intention to gather for a Friendsgiving celebration before dispersing for the break. For Rodrigues and many others, this year’s Thanksgiving is a mix of tradition and adaptation, where virtual connections and simple celebrations on campus offer students a taste of home.
For students staying on campus, Centerpointe is offering a convenient way to enjoy a festive meal. Thanksgiving meal packages, priced at $189, are available to order until Nov. 20.
Options include a fully cooked oven-roasted turkey, ham or vegetarian lasagna, along with various sides, two pies and reheating instructions. Individual items are also available à la carte. Orders can be picked up Tuesday, Nov. 26 or Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Political science student Steve Andrade is also staying on campus for the holiday.
Originally from Yuba City, more than 400 miles from CPP, Andrade said, “I live too far away and am too broke to buy plane tickets to go back home only for a few days.”
He plans to spend the holiday recharging and enjoying a few low-key celebrations with friends.
“Something I am looking forward to is being able to not worry about going to class during those days and maybe even sleep in,” said Andrade.
A friend in Los Angeles invited him over for Thanksgiving, where he’s hoping to enjoy a traditional feast, especially pumpkin pie.
Though Andrade will miss helping his mom prepare the holiday meal and decorating with fall-themed decor, he’s looking forward to his own Friendsgiving gathering. While many of his friends are commuters, he’s determined to coordinate a time they can all meet and celebrate together.
His holiday break also comes with some personal traditions — like watching “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” — and an opportunity to catch up on schoolwork and relax.
“Not having to worry about attending classes should help me focus more on getting work done,” Andrade said.
While students like Rodrigues and Andrade will spend Thanksgiving on campus, some CPP commuters are ready to spend the break closer to home. Alex Rodriguez, a geography student, plans to make the most of his time off campus.
His plans include plenty of relaxation and quality time with friends and family.
“During Thanksgiving break, I plan on going to the gym, spending time with friends and hiking or disc golfing,” Rodriguez said. “On Thanksgiving Day, I will be spending time with my family.”
Looking forward to a change of routine, Rodriguez is excited about the break for both food and time with loved ones.
“I’m excited to eat smoked ham and pumpkin pie,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said he’ll also enjoy watching NFL games, particularly the Bears vs. Lions and Giants vs. Cowboys.
As a commuter, Rodriguez finds the Thanksgiving break an ideal time to take a step back.
“This break should be a nice change of pace since it will allow me to catch up on homework and spend less time commuting to and from school,” Rodriguez said.
Feature image courtesy of Teresa Acosta
