After a year and a half of COVID-19 and a virtual Friendsgiving, The Bistro was filled once again with students. Although this time the café had a capacity of 100 students and within 10 to 15 minutes of opening the doors, the Bistro had to deny entry to students due to COVID-19 safety protocols.

Campus Activities and Dining services work together to bring students a homey Thanksgiving dinner.

Yajaira Perez, campus activities programmer and a fourth-year student majoring in Public Relation, said “The only obstacle was the COVID protocol. We were very confused on whether we could even host this event because food was going to be served and when you’re eating your mask is taken off.”

 This year students played Kahoot with a ‘Friends’ inspired trivia game where they could win prizes along with dinner. There were board games available for students to play at their table with friends, and some clips of ‘Friends’ were played throughout the evening. 

“I hope people can enjoy the food and enjoy the time that they have with their friends here on campus. I know some people aren’t able to go back home due to different reasons and I really hope this is a nice reminder to hang out with the people that you love and care about and to just have a good time and have a great Thanksgiving,” Perez said. 

Perez said she is  thankful for her parents.  

“If it wasn’t for them, I would not be where I am today. Everything that they do, and everything that I do is for them,” Perez said. 

Students at the event had some things they were grateful for this year. 

Robert Kempl, a junior majoring in Marketing, said his Thanksgiving plans are to go home then come back as soon as he can due to transportation. His favorite Thanksgiving dish is mashed potatoes. “I’m thankful that I got to come back to school after a year of not being able to,” Robert said. 

Justin Hwan, a junior majoring in entrepreneurship, said his favorite dish is stuffing and is thankful to get food. His Thanksgiving plans are to “go back home, visit family and visit some old friends back home.”