THE RANT: 11/16/11

Dear students,

As everyone surely knows and feels by now, the end of the semester is drawing near, bringing with it untold amounts of stress, worry and anxiety.

Semester-long projects, papers and other assignments are piling up. Time seems to speed up, leaving no room to complete said tasks while juggling a job and other obligations. While this is true for the many students on campus, I would like to caution each student, including myself, to avoid the horrible habit of complaining.

It’s extremely easy to get caught up in the everyday strain and pressure that inevitably comes with the close of a semester, but complaining is not the answer or the outlet to this common issue. In fact, complaining about how horrible all the projects are or how professors are being unfair is really unfounded. Come on, we are all paying to be students — we are choosing to come to this institution to receive an education. Higher-level education is a privilege, not a right, and a privilege deprived to many who are unable to be here.

I would pose a challenge to all of us. Let’s be different this semester — let’s stay positive and optimistic. After all, a good disposition is contagious and spreads like wildfire. I know it’s hard to not have a bit of a negative attitude when everything starts piling up, but for the mental and physical health of ourselves and fellow students, let’s try to refrain from complaining. Remember, we are all lucky to be here.

Sincerely,

Josie Clarey, junior