AS COLLEGE students, we have countless things to worry about. From war and famine to midterms, papers and lack of sleep, we could spend all day - and all night - worrying about one thing or another.
What's really important, in the face of all our potential stressors, is to remember how lucky we all are. We need to step back and appreciate where we are, who we're here with and what is arguably the best time of our lives.
Students at our University have the unique pleasure of living on hands down the most gorgeous college campus in the nation. We are situated in the midst of the amazing natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. We also attend school in the midst of rich architectural beauty and history. Monticello and Ash Lawn-Highland - James Monroe's home - the University Chapel and, of course, the Lawn and Rotunda all are amazing historical locations which we are privileged to live among.
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It's easy to learn a bit about the area and the University's history. U.Va.'s Web site provides links to historical documents and pictures of the Rotunda, and information can be found in person from the University Guide Service in Pavilion VIII. Although not vital to acquiring an education at the University, a bit of historical perspective can enhance our appreciation and awe of the University.
The University attracts the nation's top students through its strong academic standing. Through its unique traditions, atmosphere and reputation, the University acquires a student body which, in addition to being smart, is active, engaging and fun. So it's important to appreciate not only where we are, but also with whom we're here.
Take time to talk to someone new in your favorite class. You may not meet your best friend, but you may have a good conversation. Have fun with your roommates. If you're lucky they're people you can admire and depend on and also be completely goofy around. Appreciate the fourth years. They'll be gone soon and their leaving will change the University. The departing student leaders will be missed for their dedication and ideas, while departing friends will be missed even more.
In addition to your fellow students, appreciate your professors and TAs. They work hard and make this University what it is academically, and they're interesting people too. Find out what type of research they're doing, and get involved if you can. Take advantage of the Arts and Sciences Council's Cavalier Card and take a professor or two out to eat. Visit them at their office hours and ask questions. The University does afford a number of ways for students and professors to interact outside of the classroom. The easiest way to do it, though, is just to strike up a conversation with your favorite professor. Thomas Jefferson would be proud.
In addition to appreciating where we are and with whom we share this place, we ought to have fun with what we will someday refer to as "the good ol' days." Countless former college students, from recent graduates to grandparents, will tell you how fast college passes. We can't stay here forever; the only thing to do is to enjoy it while we can.
This time in our lives is a unique blend of immense freedom and relatively little responsibility.
In 30 years, we'll have a record of what we achieved academically, and we'll probably remember a few of our best classes. But the most vivid memories will, in all likelihood, be of time spent outside of class with our friends. So appreciate it now, while we're here. We need to make the most of our friendships. We should pay attention to our studies but not pass on opportunities to spend time with the people we have only four years with.
So live every moment to the fullest, stop and smell the roses, don't let life pass you by, or heed your favorite carpe diem cliche. And if you don't feel something, I call it awe, but at least appreciation, when you pass by the Rotunda, you really don't know how lucky you are.
(Megan Moyer's column appears Fridays in The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at mmoyer@cavalierdaily.com.)
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