Welcome back everyone! We hope you guys had a great break, hopefully with lots of food and rest before finals start to hit :’)

We definitely needed this break, and it gave an excuse for everyone on the TEDx team to come together for some healthy competition. Yes, you read that right. Two weeks ago, TEDx hosted its annual TEDsgiving, in which every member of each committee came together to share delicious food and good memories. And while most friendsgivings typically require everybody to bring a dish, TEDx put its own spin on it, turning the holiday into a fun cook-off. 

What were the rules? Who were the teams?

Well, TEDsgiving was comprised of five teams with five members each. Each team was randomized to help members across different committees to get to know each other and bond through the spirit of possibly winning. Every team was designated with the task of creating an appetizer, entree, and dessert. After the feast, everybody voted on their favorite dish for each category. This gave three possible opportunities to win the elusive prize of bragging rights and the joy of giving others a happy stomach.

The teams all came in with very strong dishes, all with the intent of winning the competition in at least one category. There were mashed potatoes, dumplings, Jollof rice, green scallion pancakes, a cheese board, fried chicken, cookies, pies, milk tea, cake. These teams weren’t playing around. We all came to win.

The Winners

It was a tough call for some categories, there were disagreements as to who was the real champ, but ultimately, here were the final winners:

Appetizer:

Entree: 

Dessert: 

Giving Thanks

Aside from a night of feast and friends, TEDsgiving was an occasion of thankfulness. Being surrounded by such a hardworking team, amazing food and a night of fun was a reason to be very grateful. So before our dinner began, we went around in a circle and each talked about what we were currently grateful for. From health and family, to open doors and hardships, everyone shared what their hearts felt, truly an activity that made us all come together even more.

And since it was such a heartfelt moment, we want to share are a few of our favorite phrases of the night: 

Thankful for opportunity, it is what TED really embodies - Abhi 

We are the company that we keep, so I am very thankful for the people who keep me company - Elif

Thankful for this semester that has been very good to me - Jess

Thankful for open doors and the experiences they bring - Maria

There is so much to be thankful for every day, and this occasion was a reminder of that. But it does not have to be only one day of the year that we take time to give thanks for everything that we have. Let this be an invitation to continue the gratitude even past thanksgiving, TEDsgiving, or your weekend at home. Let this be a part of your daily routine. With small actions such as a thank you text to that friend that helped you study for a test, a love you call to a family member that is far away, or a smile just because, on a bright and sunny day. Think about 3 things that you are grateful for today. You can write them down, or just bring them to mind to get that warm feeling in your heart. Remember how you feel when you acknowledge all the good things in life, cherish this moment and always give thanks. 

Until next time we connect,

-TEDxUTAustin