Though the meaning of Easter is different for each student, traditions are a common bond for some students, as is the changes that come each year to their Easter celebration. Emily Tinnel, a communications disorders graduate student, said the meaning of Easter has changed for her over the years and is now more focused on her faith life. “I was raised in a Christian family that went to church every Sunday, but I never really felt the true importance of Easter until a few years ago,” Tinnel said. “I knew that Easter was celebrating Jesus’ resurrection, but I felt that it was something that was just focused on for one-two hours inchurch, and Good Friday was just a day we got off school, not one of the most important day of Jesus’ life on Earth and my life as a Christian because that is the day my sins were completely paid for.”  Whether faith is a part of the celebration or not, some students spend the holiday surrounded by family. Makenzie Wright, a senior nursing student, said, for her, Easter is about joining together for a meal and fellowship. “Easter is really about being with family,” Wright said. “We always have a big family dinner, and we all live pretty close, but we all come together for Easter.” Family dinners and coming together are a part of Easter for Tinnel as well, she said, but this year there are added celebrations. “This year, my dad’s birthday and my aunt’s birthday fall on Easter weekend, so we will be having my family Easter dinner on Saturday, with a combined Easter dinner/birthday party,” Tinnel said. “But my mom is cooking dinner on Sunday too, so it will be like a two-day long feast.” For some, Easter is not celebrated on just […]