1. Complain less: about the cold, my workload, the lack of food options in town...
Especially after spending Winter Term in Nicaragua leading OSCA's delegation, and seeing how little access to education most people have, I've felt incredibly blessed to be here. The times when I get the Oberlin winter grumps (a common seasonal disorder), I just have to remind myself that I go to an amazing school where thoughtful, engaging professors expand my mind, where I get inspired by driven, passionate classmates, and where I get to play house, throw dinner parties, and attend wonderful events. Compared to our hosts in Nicaragua, I have absolutely nothing to complain about, and I can't let myself forget that.
2. Along the same lines of appreciating Oberlin more, I've resolved to go to more things, "things" being concerts, lectures, plays, etc. I need to remember that these too are part of an education (besides being good old-fashioned fun) and that sometimes it's okay to let a little homework go in order to take in some culture. I've put this resolution into action this week with much success. Last night I went to see the Yes Men's new film, The Yes Men Fix the World, followed by a Q+A with a Yes Man himself. I loved learning about their creative attacks on corporate greed, but was extremely depressed to see just how much suffering that greed has caused. Tonight, I'm seeing banjo wonder Bela Fleck perform in Finney. Following Mr. Twain's advice, I'm not letting school get in the way of my education. (But don't worry, I'm still keeping up in my classes, Mom.)
