"One thing I'm grateful for during this time has been the opportunity to slow down — and to be more thoughtful in my work and where I spend my time and energy. I have reconnected with family members. The result has brought me incredible joy and energy, thought-provoking conversations, and a sense of an understanding of my roots in a time of physical distancing." - Selene Kinder, communications specialist, College of Science and Mathematics

("By reconnecting with my family members, I was gifted a picture that I had never seen, a picture of grandma in 1949. A more recent picture taken of my grandparents in 1998 [above]. I am pictured in the left and my sister is being carried by my grandpa.")

"It's been easy to focus on how disrupted everything has been this year. Travel plans have been canceled or postponed. Meetings and gatherings, even happy hours and family get-togethers have shifted from in-person to virtual. But in all the shifts that have taken place, I am grateful for being able to turn my focus from the things I want to do someday to what is good in my life right now. The communications work I do with UComm and as a volunteer with my church has taken on even more significance, helping people stay connected and informed during these difficult times. My perspective on so many things has changed from broad to looking inward, finding joy in small moments each day. My long-time partner and I even had an intimate wedding ceremony at the County Clerk's Office in the middle of this pandemic." - Lisa Boyles Bell, public information officer, University Communications

(Lisa Boyles Bell, public information officer in University Communications, pictured with her husband.)

"I am grateful to have all of my and my family's basic needs met (and much more) — to have food to eat and water to drink, to have a roof over our heads, to have heat to keep us warm, and to have a sense of safety in the day-to-day and more. I do not ever want to take these blessings for granted. I am grateful to receive and have the unconditional, everlasting, and unchanging love and grace of God. I am blessed and want to always try to be a blessing to all others around me." - Orlando Leon, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer

(BoNhia Lee, communications specialist, with son, Logan, 3.)

"I always thought it would be nice to be a stay-at-home mom, but eight months at home every day with three kids (age 9, 6 and 3) and a husband is crazy. I have tried to loosen up on the messes and to enjoy my time at home. I am grateful that my family is healthy and relatively happy. And I am grateful to have this time to watch my kids grow and to get daytime snuggles with my little guy." - BoNhia Lee, communications specialist, University Communications

"Enjoying strong connections with colleagues throughout campus, even while physically distant, is among the many aspects of working at Fresno State for which I am grateful. Having a shared mission in which I believe wholeheartedly provides the glue that binds and strengthens our work and camaraderie." - Patti Waid, director, University Communications

As this year comes to an end and the holiday season approaches, Campus News wants to know what you are grateful for this year.

There is still time to share. Please send a short response to campusnews@csufresno.edu and your photo or a picture of what you are grateful for. The deadline is noon Thursday, Nov. 19. Answers will be published on Nov. 23.