Schools
Glenbrook South Students Treated to First Thanksgiving
Every year, Glenbrook South hosts a Thanksgiving dinner for students of the English Language Learners program. For many in the program, this is their first or only experience with the holiday.
To many, Glenbrook South’s Thanksgiving celebration on November 19 was full of all the familiar dishes and traditions associated with the holiday.
The smells of turkey, gravy and sweet potatoes filled the air as guests lined up to be served helpings of each customary side. Plates of pumpkin pie and cups of apple cider awaited each person at the end of the buffet.
But for GBS student Florencia Cuadros, this is all a new experience. This is her first Thanksgiving.
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“I really like the fact that you have a day to say thanks,” she said while taking the first initial bites of her meal. “I think it’s really important that you look around and see all that God gave you.”
Cuadros is native to Chile. This is only her third month at Glenbrook South, and she was anxious to experience all that goes into the American holiday -- particularly the food. Her host family told her to start with the stuffing. After a few bites she was pleased with their recommendation.
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She also took a particular liking to the turkey and green beans. Still, all of it was very different from the foods in her culture.
“I just think it is so funny. All these different types of food – they are just so odd,” Cuadros said.
Every year, Glenbrook South hosts a Thanksgiving dinner for students of the English Language Learners program. For many in the program, this is their first or only experience with the holiday.
Held in the school’s Lyceum, students who represented various countries throughout the globe such as Pakistan, Korea, Mexico and Spain spoke about how thankful they are to have found a second family amongst the teachers and their peers at GBS.
“All the people here are really kind,” said student Ami Baatarsuren. “Everyone is here to help you and open to meeting new people and different people.”
This is Baatarsuren’s third Thanksgiving at Glenbrook South. She is originally from Mongolia and looks forward to the GBS celebration every year.
“I’m thankful for all my teachers being so helpful, all of my friends for being so great and helping me when I am down and my parents, of course, are always there for me and care for me,” she said.
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