As we wrap up the end of the semester and start to see our students off for winter break, the Global Mentor Program hosted events to help them take their minds off stressful schoolwork and to learn about the magic of the holidays!

In November, we to our annual Friendsgiving Dinner hosted by a local restaurant here in Blacksburg, Avellinos Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria. This Friendsgiving dinner was used to represent a shift towards redefining what "family" means. As many students navigate life away from home, this celebration offers an opportunity to express gratitude not just for friends but also for the experiences shared throughout the semester. It embodies the spirit of togetherness, reminding us that while Thanksgiving traditionally focuses on family, Friendsgiving embraces the bonds formed through friendship. After we enjoyed an amazing meal, the program highlighted and celebrated a few of our outstanding mentors who displayed exceptional mentoring skills and involvement. We are so grateful for our mentors and students!

Overall, the Friendsgiving dinner was a joyful occasion that highlighted the values of gratitude, inclusivity, and community—principles that are essential to both the holiday season and the Global Mentor Program.

To close out our cultural events for the semester, we gathered to celebrate the holiday season with an Ornament Decorating Holiday Party! Participants enjoyed an evening in our very own Pamplin Hall filled with creativity and camaraderie as they crafted unique ornaments, each reflecting their personal styles. The atmosphere was lively, as we listened to holiday music and students shared their favorite holiday traditions, bringing us together for our final event of the semester!