Ingredients:
One copy of the Observer
Preheat mind for the beginning of a new school year.
Read thoroughly for 2-3 minutes.
As this is my first column in a series I will be writing for The Observer, and it will be popping up every two weeks, I thought I would take this first submission to introduce myself, what I will be writing about and why.
I call this “Recipes for Getting By.” Pretty catchy, right? I found out yesterday that there’s a movie called “The Art of Getting By.” I didn’t do much research further than studying its release poster, which features an edgy Emma Roberts and a gangly adolescent artist on the streets of New York City. Both characters appear to be floundering in their own teen angst. While this column may include the occasional minimal amount of teen angst, the similarities between my column and the movie end there. Instead, I will aim to provide "recipes" of precise, easy methods that any college student can try while muddling through the stressful maze of the undergraduate world. To be completely honest, however, a large part of the reasoning behind the naming of my column stems from my desire to keep a food theme, as I really enjoy eating.
My past two years at Notre Dame have fully exposed me to the serious and driven nature of our student body. The ND culture is infused with competition, hard work and a perpetual desire to achieve. As students of a top-tier university, many of us are programed to over-schedule, overload and overthink. It’s not necessarily a bad thing; these traits go along with being at a university composed of some of the greatest minds of today and tomorrow. On the other hand, however, working hard and playing hard all time can be tedious, stressful and just exhausting. This column is my attempt at sharing some tips and tricks on how not to sweat the small stuff. This is my “gourmet” advice, with a sense of humor, if you will.
I won’t be writing about the most serious of issues, but I will be addressing the things in a Notre Dame student’s life that cause unnecessary worry. We all need a relief sometimes, and I hope to help provide it. Here’s a preview: ways to confront your roommate about any awkward tension or problems, how creating a Neopets account can help boost self-confidence before a big exam, a fast and efficient way to pay for $3 cab rides without the whole “who-still-hasn’t-paid” confusion and DIY office hours.
I hope to convey a light-hearted message and humorous tone throughout this column. These “recipes for getting by” may or may not always work, as many of these things are little tricks I’ve personally found helpful when it comes to shedding unnecessary stress and dealing with the overall chaos of college life. People deal with their issues in all kinds of different ways. Nevertheless, it is my sincerest intention that the sheer comic relief of this column will help ease your unwarranted stress and worry.
Never underestimate the power of a good laugh and a smile. More advice to come.
