Dear first-years, We all have heard about the “freshman fifteen” and know that, because we are away from home and now have free reign over what we eat, it is common to gain a little weight. Well, first let me stop you right there: the freshman fifteen is a bit of a myth, and is more accurately called the “first-year four.” Also, this doesn’t have … Continue reading Advice for the Floundering First-Year (11/16/18)
At this point both in the year and in the semester, everyone is facing some level of burnout. The constant barrage of negativity coming from our phones and the TV can become so overwhelming that we just want to shut off all technology and access to the news and escape. The same can be said for life in college with all of our academics, extra-curriculars, … Continue reading Tired from all the negative news
Being a student at Gustavus teaches us important skills such as how to write, think critically, read, and solve problems. While we all have become very good at using these skills, the one thing they seem to never easily help with is the decision of giving up a great parking spot in order to run a quick errand, or keeping the spot. Some people don’t … Continue reading The great parking spot dilemma
It’s getting colder outside, and with that chill in the air, many people here on campus are likely to be missing home. Alongside that homesickness that we face, is another wave of sadness for pet owners. It’s easily agreed that the majority of us may even miss our pets more than our family or friends back home. Taking a step back from the ultimate debate … Continue reading Pondering about pets
Everyone can agree that being sick sucks. Whether it be a minor cold, or a bedridden flu, not being at your absolute best is never fun. It always feels as if I’ve taken advantage of my good health once I’ve fallen ill. I get kind of mad at my healthy self for not truly appreciating the fact that I was healthy, that it didn’t take … Continue reading Homesickness hits on a whole new level
With Halloween in the rearview mirror, that means it should be time to make room for turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. That is how it should be, but according to all the stores and malls, they think otherwise. It may be November, but it might as well be December as the ads for buying Christmas presents, and holiday decorations, are in full force. Holiday cheer … Continue reading Halt the holidays
These past few weeks, I am sure you’ve been asked by about a million different people if you’ve voted. By the time the election came around Tuesday, everybody except political science majors such as myself were sick and tired of anything having to do with the mid-term elections. Many people I knew couldn’t see the value in voting. They had become too pessimistic about their … Continue reading Doing your duty for democracy
This past weekend, CAB hosted its annual showing of the film Rocky Horror Picture Show. Being a first-year, this was my first year attending the event, but also the first time ever seeing the movie. I was totally blown away by the enthusiasm that everybody showed as well as the fantastic preparation on the part of CAB. Not only was the event amazing, but it … Continue reading The Rocky Horror Picture Show community
Dear first-years, By now, you are probably sick. Or you know someone that’s sick, meaning you are about to get sick. And let me tell you, the first time you get sick away from home is probably going to be awful. It’s a true adulting moment when you feel absolutely terrible but you still have to take care of yourself and get things done. We’ve … Continue reading Advice for the floundering first-year
As students at Gustavus, we are not unfamiliar to protests and their use for changes in various capacities. After the election of our current president, there were protests that, very keenly, looked forward to what our future as a nation could be. Upon the decision of Gustavus becoming a tobacco-free campus, students protested the various effects this rule would impose on students. During homecoming week, … Continue reading The power of protest
