Shainaliz Ortiz
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In addition to spending time with family and friends, Thanksgiving is a good time to relax, think about the next big holiday and break and also get ready for finals.
Americans go all out for Thanks giving but not everyone knows about the holiday. Aya AI Khatib, an international freshman is only a little familiar with it but she will be celebrating Thanksgiving for the first time ever next week.
As a Jordanian Palestinian, she had only heard of the word Thanksgiving before and never really thought about it. Not knowing the history of how it came to be or how people celebrate it in America, she wanted to gain more knowledge about it this year.
After only meeting her distant relatives once, Aya is slightly worried her upcoming adventure on a Thanksgiving vacation might be awkward. She will be flying to Dallas, Texas with the hope of seeing turkey in its greatest form- at the center of the table. Aya said she loves turkey so she is really anxious to celebrate the holiday.
Although her plans for vacation are vague at the moment, Aya is looking forward to the food and the event following the stuffing meal.
"My friend said to make sure that my family takes me out the next day because there will be lots of shopping and stuff," she said. Aya has been told is to attend an event known well to most Americans as the Black Friday madness. She is excited yet unprepared for this after Thanksgiving hysteria.
Aya is excited to have the opportunity to be with her younger cousins and family. She looks forward to sharing a meal with them to truly understand Thanksgiving in America.
Regardless of the fun that awaits her in Texas, she will be taking her homework on the plane to keep busy until she lands in Texas.
Aya will continue to do her school work during the return flight to Penn State Hazleton. She, along with others, will return Nov. 26 with new memories and full stomachs.