It’s almost the end of September, and with everything going on, at least in my life, somehow it feels like the year’s already through.

And yet, technically, it’s only just now picking up. At least if you’re following any of the events going on around campus like I have, which are only just now gearing up and going at any rate.

But I made myself come to the parking increase petition nonetheless. Especially considering this is the first half of my last year here, I know I’m going to regret not pushing myself to get out for some semblance of a social life if I don’t start at it now. But that’s the thing. We’re all going to have stuff in our life, in and/or out of school, that’s going to make it difficult to want to do things. But that’s part of life. If all you did in life was what you needed to do, ask yourself: would you even be here at all? So, use the excuse and perks of being a student to be here. After all, what’s the point of us fighting for the parking price increase to go back down if we don’t come here enough to enjoy it should we win? I’m sure, however, there are plenty of people like me who have decided to just not come to this for whatever reason. But, for those of you who could have come but decided not to: I could have done the same thing.

Even as I’m writing this, I’m hearing the excuses of “pizza” and “extra credit” as the reason for being here. Use whatever you must to attend any event, but in the cases where you don’t have a legitimate reason to have to go to an event, just use it as a reason to be social with your peers. You may never otherwise see outside your days here. Text some friends to come with you if you need people you know to be the excuse. Try to find events that interest you and go to them where you can.

In other words, show some school spirit. That doesn’t mean you have to be crazy about, it like we used to in most high schools. Think of it like networking. Did I just hear you groan? The events are for people with like interests to get together, and from there do whatever. Maybe you’ll make more friends. Maybe you’ll just go and say you did something with your day that wasn’t just staying home until the next time you had to be here for a class.

I did feel much better about myself in general just having gone to the event at all, even if it’s just an excuse to get out of the house. Attend the events! Make the most of your time here! None of us, much as I would love to myself, will be here forever.