For most, Veterans Day means flags, ceremonies, and the words “thank you for your service.” But for those who have worn the uniform, it is also a time to reflect–not just on sacrifice, but on what it means to keep serving long after coming home.

Gratitude doesn’t always arrive on schedule; sometimes it’s a day late. Somewhere between the boiling pots on the stove, embarrassing memories being dished out, and laughter echoing off the living room walls, my family and I find our own rhythm of Thanksgiving.

On Nov. 1, jazz drummer Sean Dobbins graced The Alluvion with the performance of the year. He played alongside his band, The Sean Dobbins Ensemble. This show was part of their “The World We Know!” series, where they perform the titular project front to back.

NMC’s Fall Pottery Sale will be held on Nov. 21 from 1-7 pm. Works by students and faculty will be featured in the ceramics studio in the Okerstrom Fine Arts Building.

On Oct. 23, NMC’s International Affairs Forum (IAF) hosted foreign affairs expert, educator, and four-time author Christopher Preble at Milliken Auditorium to discuss reorganizing the global order. The morning after the event, he participated in a conversation about foreign affairs with IAF’s Student Leadership Team, who asked him questions about how the United States can reform its foreign policies, America’s role as a dominant power, and the significance of American citizens practicing diplomacy in foreign affairs.

The Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), traditionally known as food stamps, provides more than 41 million Americans with financial assistance to obtain food. In Michigan, approximately 1.4 million people rely on SNAP. According to data from the 2023 US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 8% of Grand Traverse County households are on SNAP. However, the widely used food assistance program has faced an uncertain state since the federal government shutdown began in October.

On Nov. 4-5, I had the opportunity to participate in the Michigan Press Association’s (MPA) 2025 Michigan Trott Foundation News Fellowship. This opportunity took me to the state capital, Lansing, where I got to meet fellow student journalists, and talk to state politicians about the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which was the subject we were assigned to investigate for the fellowship.