Fresh year, fresh perspectives, fresh faces
It’s that time of year. The smell of freshly-cut grass emenates from every inch of campus. Cicada hums and bird chirps invade the ears of those who walk under sturdy green trees. Seeing flocks of new students exploring the Student Center is nearly as common as feeling the constant beat of robust sunlight.
The fresh school year likely means something different to every student. For some, it merely marks the end of their sunny break. For others, it signifies the wracked nerves and sheer excitement that often accompanies a new semester in higher education. For incoming freshmen, this week could be a first hiatus from their hometowns and their first shaky steps towards adulthood.
For students, this time of year can often be a breeding ground for stress, worries, and shot nerves, especially for freshman, as they’re in practically uncharted waters.
With the struggles of purchasing textbooks, schedule confusion, and an overall change in daily pace, it’s more than understandable to want to pull your hair out in matted clumps, no matter your age or class.
With this in mind, it is important not to be completely swallowed by the little monster called worrying. Hans Selye, a Hungarian-Canadian scientist known for his studies on stressors may have said it best,
“It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.”
In other words, you control stress, not the other way around.
There are various ways to help reduce anxiety as this semester rolls to a start.
One of the simplest (if not a bit clichè) ways to do this is to take a deep breath and clear one’s mind. Another way to reduce anxiety and feelings of impending doom is to socialize.
Luckily, our campus hosts a smorgasbord of social events weekly, from dances to pool tournaments.
There is a phone application named CSC Rewards that can help students track such events. This can be searched and dowloaded on the App Store or Google Play. Once fuctional, the app will send reminders to your phone so that events are rarely forgotten. Another benefit to this app is that it outlines times, dates, and other important information.
Along with social events, there are various clubs and organizations that can be a fine place to meet friends and forget about infectious worries.
Our school’s clubs are suited for a slew of interests. Whether one enjoys movies, chess, or english, there is likely a club on campus for it. Better yet, you can find like-minded people to relish in your similar interests.
For more information about a club, students can visit the Student Senate Office in the Student Center and simply state their inquiry. Our friendly senators are more than likely to help out— some would even say it’s their job.
Regardless of your situation at Chadron State College or your attitude towards the new year, we at The Eagle extend our warmest welcome, and wish our students and staff the best of luck with this year’s journey.
In the words of the always-smooth Bobby Mcferrin,
“Don’t worry, be happy.”