Being a more sustainable member of society is a goal that most people should be striving for. Trying to eliminate one-use plastic or disengaging from industries like “fast fashion” is where many eco-conscious members begin. Some practices of a sustainable lifestyle have even become trends that, while well-intentioned, might further the problems these movements aim to help with or create new problems of their own.

When thinking of the stereotypical suburban American community, four things come to mind: white picket fences, windy-curved streets, cookie-cutter-style homes, and grass lawns. I think of the countless older men mowing to keep lawns exactly five inches tall to comply with homeowner association (HOA) or municipality codes in the summer, maintaining them artificially lush using pesticides. I think of the countless hours my parents made me spend raking up leaves so that the “grass wouldn’t die,” even as it would a few weeks later when it snowed. It has always been odd that Americans care so much about these sprawling grass plots, especially considering it has no economic or sustainable value.

Milne Library's $40 million renovation is finally finished after five years of continuous construction. Within these years, the reconstruction of Milne Library has caused immense stress for faculty members and students alike. Construction began in 2019, which immediately displaced the library archives and other collection materials. The transition from Milne Library to Fraser Hall Library hindered many students' success, some of whom even graduated without gaining the full library experience. Some students have also used their public libraries as a reliable and capable resource. Students have been utilizing the Wadsworth Library to restore the college library experience. There have been many ways to work around this decrease in study spaces on campus. Still, now that there is a functioning library on campus, students and faculty members have the ability to depend on their library resources.

Reading the title of this article probably made some of you roll your eyes, thinking to yourself, “What does the pretentious writer have to say about the art of poetry?” Stay with me, though. I promise you that I will make the case below for why poetry is the best genre to start your writing career with.

I am sure many of you have heard of the “freshman 15,” but what may be an important concern for many college students is actually the opposite. You may be an outlier if you have not heard a classmate or friend lamenting about their lack of time for a meal. Conversations surrounding missed meals are frequent on college campuses— and the issue is one that has become so normalized that, at this point, most people do not see it as an issue. In a world that seems to simultaneously emphasize self-love—while also constantly reminding us to worry about meeting a vague, perpetually shifting societal expectation of beauty—it is important to prioritize our physical health; do not let the business of a college schedule serve as an excuse for skipping meals and neglecting your body’s nutritional needs.

In recent years, anime and manga have grown in popularity. Anime is now a mainstream form of entertainment, and fans are far more vocal about the stories they enjoy. One manga/anime I want to highlight is My Hero Academia (2014-2024), a superhero action shonen story written by Kōhei Horikoshi and published by Weekly Shōnen Jump. My Hero Academia’s (2014-2024) manga gained a large fanbase exponentially, with the anime adaptation receiving awards for its earlier seasons; I can’t help but feel it has gotten some unnecessary criticism in recent years as many fans claim that its story has gone downhill. Some common complaints are that the main protagonist is poorly written, while others argue that the fandom has ruined their enjoyment of the show. As a huge fan of the story, I want to explain why I believe My Hero Academia (2014-2024) is an underrated gem amongst shonen anime and manga.

Dear Minerva,

I had plans with some friends and one of those friends ended up being late. The other friend had messaged him, telling him the event was canceled, to which my late friend showed up much later, despite the cancellation. He got very upset at this, and I later pointed out the fact that he was late anyway. This late friend has a history of being quite problematic, and I’ve tried to help him see his errors and change. It’s no use. So, I guess my question is how to guide someone to be better who is also unwilling to change?

Sincerely,

Mediator

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has blessed us with some of the greatest superstars ever to enter the ring. It is also safe to say, however, that not all superstars have had the most impressionable impact on the crowd or their fellow superstars. Whether they had the physical strength or the ability to win over a crowd, here is a look at some of the best and worst WWE superstars.

If you have not heard someone lament about required history courses or argue that they should all be electives, you may be an outlier. As someone with an ardent love of and interest in history and government, I might be biased. I truly believe, however, that in learning how history has shaped the present and how your government operates, you can better involve yourself in modern-day issues meaningfully; you begin to understand your position in the world and what you can do to improve it.

Dear Minerva,

I am writing because I have been so frustrated lately and can’t keep my cool. It’s like any little thing sets me off, even if it’s not that big of a deal. I don’t want to keep being so angry, and I can tell people are noticing too. How do I stop being so angry all the time? I don’t want to be a person with a short temper.

Yours,

Trying My Best

I am sure it is no secret that across the globe, Christmas is a holiday phenomenon. Wreaths, trees, lights, garlands, fake snow, and reindeer fill homes and department stores the second this joyous season rolls around, but I am writing to ask: Has it gone too far?

With the upcoming election coming up in less than two weeks, it is important to take a step back and center ourselves for the sake of our understanding of what is to come with the influence to use our voices. There has been a noticeable increase in the discussion of politics within the last 10 years and, alarmingly, an increase of radicalization in politics as well. The American people have become increasingly enthralled by the world of politics as it plays a crucial role in how we will live our lives in the next few years especially.

Fewer programs, diminished funding for liberal arts, and empty dormitories seem a growing reality for many college campuses nationwide—especially in New York State (NYS). The national average for college enrollment from 2010 to 2024 saw an 11.61 percent decline, while SUNY schools, such as Potsdam, saw as much as a 43 percent decrease in first-year student enrollment. Geneseo itself has experienced a -22.57 percent enrollment difference since 2010. Several New York schools, including the College of Saint Rose, Medaille College, and Cazenovia College, have been forced to close due to decreased enrollment and funding issues.

Dear Minerva,

How do I deal with the people in my dorm building being annoying? People are always so loud, ding dong ditching, and incredibly nosey. I know being in a first year building makes it difficult, but these people lack respect, especially when living in a shared space.

Help me!

Judgement Kazzy

Remember South Africa! Remember Vietnam! SUNY Geneseo, what side are we on? 

he cool, refreshing breath of a fall breeze, colorful leaves swaying gently to the ground, apple cider, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice—how lovely. It is as if nature is bullying us, offering a taste of joy and whimsy as we all dread what we know will inevitably follow—winter.

Have you noticed the dining hall food is lacking? Perhaps you have heard of a fly or two entering the food? I have heard multiple cases of students finding all sorts of bugs on their plates—whether it be a fly, a caterpillar, or even a spider. When I noticed raw chicken, I thought that was bad enough, but having insects make their way into the food is completely unjustifiable. Of course, the students do not expect gourmet meals, but there are certain standards we rely on for our health and safety. Overcooked pasta or even a hair is unappetizing, but moldy bread, raw chicken, and insects? I don't know about you, but I am losing my appetite altogether. How can I function as a college student when I am too grossed out to eat any food provided and pay for?

Students often struggle during the middle of the fall semester; as midterms pass and Thanksgiving break approaches, it's common to lose momentum and motivation. Knowing that you are not the only one feeling this way is essential! Once the buzz of starting a new school year (or starting college at all) wears out and deadlines begin to creep in, it can start to feel like the semester starts to drag you along. So, instead of holding on for dear life, here are some tips and tricks from students who are along for the ride with you! 

Social media platforms have allowed us to follow the lives of our fellow friends, families, and peers. Media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X, and Facebook are some of the many ways that media users share even the most private or minuscule pieces of their lives. On all kinds of media platforms, you can get news of marriage proposals, birthday posts, business promotions, and, of course, any type of drama you can get your hands on. Unsurprisingly, on at least one of these platforms, you may have witnessed users sharing too much about themselves.

Dear Minerva,

Lately, I’ve been struggling to find the motivation to do any of my classwork. Projects, assignments, you name it, I don’t want to do any of it. Obviously, I need to do my work, but how could I get some motivation to actually do any of it? Things are piling up, and I could use some guidance here. Please give me some pointers.

Sincerely,

Procrastinator