This week marked the end of our time together, in person, at Gatton. Everyone has packed up, and moved back home for the next two months.

It is a bittersweet moment. Although we will miss our Gatton family, this will be the first time many students are going home since GROWeek. As the end of the fall semester nears, we have just a few more weeks until a well-deserved Winter Break.

The last week at Gatton saw many floors getting into the holiday spirit. The Third Floor Girls had a Wingsgiving on Sunday, complete with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and The Grinch playing in the background. At curfew, the Second Floor Boys serenaded each wing with Christmas carols. Multiple Secret Santas, both Gatton-wide and on-wing, have taken place throughout the week.

Though we may be at home now, the Gatton community built here will always have each other’s backs. A lot has changed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the support has been as constant as ever. We have made strong connections with the people on our floors, in our classes, and with staff members. Needless to say, there will be endless FaceTimes and phone calls until we return for next semester.

It may be two months until we are all back in the same place, but Gatton will always feel the same. When we return, the common areas will once again have lively discussions, the whiteboards will be full of integrals, and there will be endless meal swipes to use at Papa John’s. The Gatton family will be back together for spring semester before we know it.

To our Gatton community, Happy Thanksgiving!

– Diksha Satish