Things I love about Geneseo
How to stay joyful in the difficult months ahead
Photo courtesy of Benjamin D. Esham/Wikimedia Commons
As we enter the winter months, it becomes more and more difficult to remember everything we love about being at Geneseo. Stress from classes, colder weather, and earlier sunsets can make us feel overwhelmed and overtired. It is important in these moments to remind ourselves of what makes us happy to be here, so here is a list of some of the things that bring me joy here at Geneseo!
Breakfast at Mary Jemison dining hall. My smoothie before class never fails to start my day off right. Sometimes, if I give myself enough time to sit down and eat, I might even mix it up with an açaí bowl or a yogurt parfait. Having breakfast every morning is super important, so if you feel really overwhelmed and do not think you have time, order that smoothie on the go!
Mozzarella sticks at Letchworth late night. Mozzarella stick night never fails to bring me an unbridled feeling of joy, particularly when they aren’t limiting how many I can snatch up. Even when the portions are rationed, though, having a plate of mozzarella sticks along with a cup of Vitamin Water is always going to make my day better.
The views. Geneseo is so beautiful in the fall, but even as the weather gets colder and the leaves finish falling off of their branches, the views will remain unbeatable. We can see so far out, and at night the stars are astonishingly clear in the sky. My walk to class, though treacherous due the very hilly nature of our campus, reminds me to take a second to appreciate the beauty we get to see every day.
The clubs. Geneseo has so many amazing and super fun clubs to get involved in—including (but of course not limited to) The Lamron! If you are struggling during the dreary months ahead, one way to stay connected is to find clubs that appeal to your interests, and join them. I personally have met many of my current friends through clubs I attended, and it can be a good method to avoid burrowing into your blankets and avoiding the world (even if that is very appealing at times).
My favorite corner in the Union (please do not steal it from me). The comfy chair in the corner of the Union near Starbucks is my go-to spot on campus when I want to hang out or when I need to focus on an assignment. The music and the vibes are perfect for someone who needs some background noise constantly (like myself), and Starbucks is conveniently located right there, if you are willing to spend some retail dollars on a fun drink. And I—unfortunately for my savings—am always willing.
How Main Street is lit up in winter. Make sure to walk down Main Street on a winter night. Bundle up in your warmest clothes, take a walk up the hill, and maybe get some frozen yogurt with friends!
Squirrels on campus. I see a truly impressive amount of squirrels on my daily walks to class. Seeing them run around never fails to bring a smile to my face. One morning I watched a squirrel carry a whole chocolate chip cookie out of a trash can. Can you see that and not be filled with joy? Though they may be around less often in the colder months, those little guys will never truly leave us.
The people. From the professors to staff to fellow students, the people at Geneseo are so down to earth, interesting, and kind. It is cliche but true that everyone here is always holding the door open for the next person, waving to friends, and exchanging smiles. When I am going through a tough time, it is the people here that uplift me and remind me that good times are on their way.
Mid-semester, and the arrival of colder winter months, can be hard on all of us, especially when academic stress increases with major assignments and finals approaching. It is important to remind ourselves of everything—even if small—that brings us joy.
Take care of yourselves, reach out to others if you're struggling, and take advantage of resources on campus.