Thanksgiving: A Time for Reflection Amidst Cultural Changes
Every fall, countless families across America wave goodbye to their children as they head off to college, feeling a mix of pride and worry. They hope that this time away will foster growth, sharpen their intellects, and nurture a sense of confidence. However, it’s not just the students who return home during Thanksgiving; the experience has transformed significantly.
This situation has become a silent crisis on campuses nationwide. While parents anticipate quality education, many universities seem to be steering towards re-education. Classrooms, once spaces for genuine exploration, now often prioritize ideological conformity over honest inquiry. In my recent book “University without Communism,” I discuss how higher education is shifting from a foundation built on truth to one focused on cultural alignment.
Such changes tend to unfold gradually. It’s subtle, and often goes unnoticed by those wrapped up in it. Students find themselves in an environment where questioning their beliefs is routine and reshaping their morals is encouraged. Everything—in this case—except the institution’s worldview is often scrutinized.
Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope. Culture doesn’t dictate every outcome. Thanksgiving break offers a unique opportunity in the academic calendar: time. Time to contemplate, reconnect, and reflect on what truly matters.
University Leaders Acknowledge the Disconnect
As education reform is discussed nationally, even university presidents are admitting that their institutions have strayed from their original missions.
Thanksgiving isn’t merely a break from academic pressures; it’s a cherished occasion. It reconnects students with their past selves, the ones untainted by peer influence. This holiday opens up pathways for honest conversations, spiritual insights, and rediscovering one’s identity. In an era that blurs important distinctions, it can be a reminder of who they truly are.
This issue transcends political discussions—it’s fundamentally about spiritual grounding. Many students enter college with a strong sense of faith, only to come home feeling uncertain about their beliefs, ethics, and the foundation of truth itself. Sometimes, it only takes one semester for these changes to take root.
So, it’s critical for families to view Thanksgiving as more than just a time to relax. It’s an opportunity for engagement. Let’s go beyond casual conversations at the dinner table. It’s essential to dig deeper, encourage meaningful discussions, and connect with students about their lives and identities with compassion and clarity. Remind them that their self-worth isn’t defined by grades or societal approval, but rather by their inherent value as individuals.
Pray with your children, share your own beliefs, and recount moments when your own faith faced challenges. If they return home grappling with doubts or big questions, don’t shut down the conversation. Instead, open the dialogue wider. Listen empathetically. Be generous with your time. Share everlasting truths.
Today’s students are not as resistant to faith as people often think. In a world that feels increasingly unpredictable, many are in quiet search of something solid—clarity, connection, and courage. Families and communities can step in and meet these needs, should they choose to engage actively.
At Southeastern University, our mission is to equip students with both knowledge and wisdom. We want them to think critically, without being trapped by ideology, and to interact with the broader culture while maintaining their integrity. We recognize that achieving this holistic growth requires dedicated families, supportive communities, and committed leaders.
Thanksgiving is more than a mere holiday; it’s a chance for mental rejuvenation. It fosters gratitude and reconnects us with our narratives. For students caught in overwhelming circumstances, it can serve as a lifeline that brings them back to their true selves.
This generation doesn’t need to be rescued from university; rather, it needs to find its footing in truth once again. So, as you gather this Thanksgiving, remind your students of their essence, of who they are, and why that matters now more than ever.
