LIFE ADVICE
Q1: So midterms just came out… I was pretty disappointed by them. I’m a senior and I’ve already gotten accepted into college, so I have absolutely no academic motivation. I often find myself watching Youtube videos and Vine videos for hours. Is it even it worth it for me to try anymore?
A1: Here’s the quick answer: yes, you should absolutely keep trying. I believe colleges still look at your winter term grades so don’t let them catch you slipping. But more importantly, you’re wasting all the valuable academic opportunities at Exeter if you decide to slack off. At the end of the day you should be working hard not solely because you want to get into college, but also because you want to learn new things and mature as an individual. Also, when so much of Exeter’s harkness learning relies on the concept of communal learning, it really hurts you and your classmates if you don’t do your work and contribute to the discussions.
Q2: So many of my friends have gone abroad this term and it’s only making my winter blues worse. I often find myself having nothing to do since all my homies are gone, and I have no one left to chill with. How can I feel less lonely?
A2: I know how you feel. Three seniors are gone from Ewald this term and things are a lot less exciting without them (Shout-out to Baldyga, Ardit and Luis). I recommend Skyping/Face-timing them over the weekend. Get a bunch of your friends in your room and give them a quick call. Ask them how they’re doing and what’s going on. However, be warned: their countless stories and new memories might make you hate New Hampshire even more. If you can’t find the time to call, send them a quick Snapchat or text. I’m sure they will appreciate it.
Q3: I’m opting this term and needless to say, I have gotten pretty out-of-shape. I want to exercise but I can never find the time to do so. And when I do manage to find the time, I’m too tired to walk over to the gym. My health has taken a toll over the past few weeks, and I need to change my lifestyle. Any suggestions?
A3: I recommend finding someone to work out with. You’re a lot less likely to be lazy if you have a friend to motivate you. It also makes the chilly walk down to the gym a lot more bearable. All of the coaches and trainers in the Athletic Department are awesome people, and I’m sure they can give you great advice on how to exercise and eat well. Working out on a weekend morning can be a great way to start off the day, and it also won’t be too time consuming. Stay healthy and stay hydrated my friends.
Q4: Over the last couple of weeks, dorm debates over issues involving race and microaggression have greatly increased since that one assembly. While I think it’s great that the discussions are actually happening now, sometimes my friends get too heated. They’ll start attacking individuals, and the debate becomes nothing more than a mudslinging screaming match. How should we try to have productive debates while also keeping things respectful?
A4: Debates are a great way for people to share their opinions. While some might feel more strongly than others about a particular issue, it’s never okay to verbally abuse someone because your opinions differ from his or hers. If someone’s about to cross a line, tell that person that he or she is making others uncomfortable.