Bobbing in the shallow waters off the Massachusetts coast, the sails of the Mayflower flutter in the wind as pilgrims in black and white suits donning gold belt buckles feast on turkey with Indians in feathered headdresses who have helped prepare the feast by teaching them how to grow corn.

Since its teaching in the early grades of elementary school, the story of “The First Thanksgiving” left several images ingrained in the minds of Americans.

For Heather Winkler, a junior in nutrition, Thanksgiving is not about the imagery.

“As far as turkey, pilgrims in hats and Indians go – I’m not really sure,” she said.

Instead of pilgrims, the first thing that comes to mind at the mention of Thanksgiving is “being thankful,” she said.

“Our society is kind of selfish these days,” she said. “It’s nice to have at least one day to be thankful.”

According to Winkler, Thanksgiving should not be the only day of the year on which people take time to appreciate what they have.

In a History Channel special entitled, “The History of Thanksgiving,” Sunday night, historians noted the early settlers in New England celebrated various religious thanksgiving holidays throughout the year.

In contrast with modern day celebrations, which entail turkey feasts and football games, the mood back then was somber and thanksgiving days were spent in church.

Native Americans, however, have a different view of Thanksgiving and its origins.

Whitney Willie, a sophomore in First Year College and historian for the Native American Student Association, said she did not learn the story in the same way as most Americans.

Willie said she grew up on a reservation in Nevada.

“A lot of people grew up thinking Native Americans, pilgrims that whole story – we had to learn our history before we could learn American history,” she said.

Native Americans have conflicting views of the national holiday, Willie said.”It’s a touchy subject for a lot of people [in the Native American community],” she said. “Our generation says, ‘It’s the past and we will move forward. Don’t forget the past but don’t hold a grudge.'”.According to Willie, most Native Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, contrary to what she views as popular belief.

“It’s a time for family and to eat food – just like everyone else,” she said.

Chad Hughes, a senior in international politics, said he too sees Thanksgiving as a time for family.

According to Hughes, he will spend time with his aunts, uncles and cousins at his grandparents’ house.

“When [Thanksgiving] first started, it was really important,” he said. “Over time people have forgotten what it’s about.”

Hughes said the mindset of Americans is often not what it should be on Thanksgiving.

“People take it for granted and don’t really think about what they are thankful for,” he said.

Hughes listed various reasons to be thankful, including his family, friends and country.

Rob Davis, a freshman in biological sciences, said he finds importance in a different aspect of the holiday.

“It’s a very historical holiday of national heritage,” he said.

Davis echoed that Thanksgiving has lost its luster over the years.

“It’s kind of like Christmas,” he said. “It has kind of lost its meaning over the generations.”

He urged students to remember “the birth of our country, the pioneers of our nation who lived here before us and what they gave so we can live here [as they celebrate Thanksgiving].”