By Kristina Dillard

When the leaves are seen floating down to the ground, the thought of turkey and football begin the excitement for Thanksgiving celebrations. It is time for the Terps to welcome November: The month of giving thanks.

The University of Maryland Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a committee made up of appointed student-athletes, who provide insight on the student-athlete experience. As SAAC works to create a stronger connection between student-athletes and athletics administration, its members also work to organize community service opportunities and develop student-athlete leadership skills.

On November 10th, SAAC hosted a talent show of student-athlete performers and children from the Children's National Health System in Washington, D.C. Every year this is an opportunity for Maryland student-athletes to put their sports equipment aside and show the audience their hidden talents.

“It brings us together with one the biggest student-run organizations on campus, Terp Thon, and we are able to incorporate the people we are helping by making them a part of the show,” said SAAC president Hannah Dewey. Terps Got Talent proceeds will go to the Children's National Health System.

In addition to Terp events before the turkey holiday, student-athletes provided Thanksgiving meals to low income families at a church in Baltimore this past Sunday. Terpsgiving is a community service event that serves more than 200 meals to families. Thanksgiving offers a chance to not only be reminded of giving thanks, but also to perform acts of giving. As the holiday season slowly approaches, the mindset of giving is already on the mind of SAAC and all Maryland student-athletes.

Dewey, a senior softball student-athlete, is extremely thankful for the opportunities SAAC and administration have provided her. She has made the most of her Maryland experience. “Coming into Maryland I wanted to make a difference and leave my mark. I wouldn't have been able to do that without SAAC.”

She noted she could name everyone in the ICA administration and wants to encourage more student-athletes to be able do so. “Everyone upstairs wants to help you and getting more student-athletes to realize that is big.”

Over the years, SAAC members have gained keen leadership skills that have played a huge part in their future roles. SAAC is more than just a group that meets once a month, they are a committee that is committed to make a difference for years.

Former Maryland women's basketball player and current Big Ten Fellow, Malina Howard, was able to build relationships with the athletic department and learn more about what the university has to offer through her role with SAAC.

Looking back at her freshman year, Howard reflects on how she was shy and timid before she first joined SAAC. Her involvement transformed her into a leader and made her more involved in the community and on campus. SAAC has been resource for Howard to develop professionally and she has established a much stronger tie with the athletic department.

The key to Maryland's SAAC is to give to student-athletes, but more importantly to give back to athletic administration and the university. Maryland athletics is a pure representation of the cycle of giving. This month of November revolves around the big feast, but provides special moments for all to reflect on what they are grateful for.

“I've tried to use SAAC as an avenue to give back to the athletic department and make a difference to the student-athletes that come after me,” Dewey said. “I want to open their eyes to show how much this athletic department has to offer outside of the playing field and the classroom.”

Dewey and Howard are only two examples of student-athletes looking to strive in the workplace in order to reciprocate all that has been done for them. With SAAC's determination to create a Maryland family, they understand the importance of giving and giving thanks.

“I want to make a difference this year and help in anyway I can,” said Howard. “Anything they need me to do, I am willing to do. I will give back all I can because they gave and still give everything to me.”  

Kristina Dillard is a senior on Maryland's softball team. She is one of softball's SAAC representatives and is a communication major.