Archives: Aubrey MacMillan

I’ll be honest in saying that Easter caught me by surprise this year as I’ve been enjoying this ongoing thrill ride of life. I feel like a giant Easter Bunny has stalked me from behind and then leaped out suddenly, throwing peeps and chocolate eggs at me while enjoying the surprised (and disturbed) look on my unsuspecting countenance.

I’m sure I can’t be the only one who feels this way. After all, Easter seems to unfortunately fall by the wayside in comparison to the societal hype surrounding Christmas. While Easter observance is a yearly celebration of the resurrection of Christ, it surprises me that many, me included, seem less excited about it than we should be. While the Resurrection is something to be excited about year-round as we let the power of God shape our lives, I think it’s valid to meditate deeply on this subject during the upcoming holiday. Let’s try our best to forget about whatever else we have going on, and focus in on what Christ did on this day years ago.

I received some wonderful encouragement to do this during a moment I didn’t expect. I had just entered one of my literature classes on a dreaded test day. The tension in the room was tangible as I took my usual seat and pulled out my notes to do some last-minute reviews of authors and terms. My professor soon gathered the exams at her podium and asked us all how we were doing with an amiable look on her face.

Insert chirping crickets here. We all were, of course, feeling the pressure of our exam, and I assume many of us were also sleep deprived and overly occupied in thinking about the assignments we had yet to complete after the exam we were currently taking.

Sensing this tension, my professor told us how the test would work and then asked to pray over us. The class, of course, nodded and settled into the usual, habitual “prayer pose.” Our professor proceeded to converse with the Lord, and her prayer was so resounding that it helped to set the tone for my entire week. The prayer went something like this:

“Almighty God, I know that these students work hard and that they want to do well on this exam. While I ask that they do well, according to what they’ve learned, I ask more so that You would remind them of how insignificant this little test is in comparison to who You are and what You’ve done for us. As we prepare ourselves for the upcoming Easter celebration, I ask that you would astound us and remind us of Your greatness and how much more important You are than anything else we could ever concern ourselves with. Guide us and bring us closer to You, Father. In Christ’s name, amen.”

Talk about unexpected conviction! After taking the exam, I could not thank God enough for CBU and for the professors who offer this type of encouragement in the classroom. Not only are students offered the ability to learn from the best and the brightest, but we are fully encouraged to keep our focus on what matters most in life, and that is the glory of God.

This prayer was exactly what I needed to wake myself up and be reminded of how I can become so focused on miniscule things and lose focus. As we enter into Easter observance, let me encourage you to remember what God has done for us. He has shown His redemptive work throughout history and continues to move in powerful ways. He is the very definition of love and goodness, and apart from Him we have no thing of beauty. In the act of sending His son to die and be raised from the dead for us, He shows us the ultimate act of love, which enables us to come to know Him and worship Him in all that we do.

While it is easy to lose enthusiasm for the things that matter when we are bogged down with distractions, God will always manage to break through our barriers and bring us back to Him. I thank Him for that as I continue to prepare to give Him all I’ve got in worship this Easter, and in all the days after that. I hope that we all have an exceptionally blessed holiday, and that we keep our focus where it counts. Happy Easter!

After my recent trip home for spring break, I was reminded of several things. First, I was once again prompted to discover the fact that airports are very interesting places. People either love or hate air travel considering the rush involved and the many elements keeping you on your toes.

I love flying, and my airport escapades tend to remind me that God is astounding. A happenstance conversation during my spring break flight reminded me that college is a useful time in life that allows us to worship the Lord.

As I said before, I love air travel and everything about it. I love getting through security and settling down to practice my people watching skills at the gate. I adore the feeling of being able to skim through books while soaking in the thrill of travel. I also love boarding the plane, interacting with friendly flight attendants and hoping to score a window seat.

This time, I did have the pleasure of boarding early enough to sit by a window. This seat not only allows for the optimal views, but also ensures that you will not be stuck in the dreaded “middle zone.” You know what I mean: the middle seat that is, in any form of transportation, never a coveted spot. There is a tendency to feel claustrophobic, and this awkwardness only rises on crowded planes when you are stuck between two perfect strangers.

On this particular flight, I discovered a bright side to the middle zone — meeting a brave individual who was exceptionally friendly and talkative. We ended up having a marvelous conversation that lasted the entire length of the flight. Who does not enjoy that in a row companion?

My middle seat friend was a high school senior who had just finished a weeklong stay at a Christian university near California Baptist University and was trying to decide which school to visit next. I jumped at the opportunity to emphatically recommend CBU, and successfully sparked her interest. In our conversation, I was able to answer any questions she posed about college, leading to a wonderful discussion about living college life and clarifying the purpose of going to school in the first place.

Every decision we as Christians make is affected by our decision to serve God and accomplish his will for our lives. My middle seat friend is currently in the throngs of nearing the end of high school and deciding where to go next. She maintained a tangible desire to serve God and was trying to decide how best to use her intelligence to glorify him after high school.

It is my firm belief that attending a university is a wonderful way to worship the Lord. Going to school, especially a biblically rooted school such as CBU, allows students to sharpen their skills and become well equipped to serve our creator using the gifts He gave to us. Utilizing these gifts is a very worshipful act and allows us to boldly take our faith into the world to change it for the glory of God.

College is a unique time in life that allows young men and women to explore their skill sets and discover more about what God has in store. Sharpening the skills we were created with at a university should be done with the intention of using them to serve the creator all our years after we complete our education. It is a privilege to be allowed to serve God with all that we have and all we accomplish, and it leads into a wonderful adventure in pursuit of our redeemer’s honor.

I would like to take up a little bit of time to talk about the importance of being genuine. Allowing yourself to be completely raw and real with someone really opens the relationship up to honesty and productive growth. Sometimes, this growth has to come out of a not-so-pretty period of time, but sharing something honest and uninhibited with another person creates a closer bond and leads to faster edification.

Allow me to provide an example of how one shared, honest experience can bring two individuals closer in a very short period of time.

If you have been around with me long enough, you will recall quite clearly my fear of – no, despise for– insects. I’m not entirely sure what brought this fear about or why it is so deep-rooted, but I know for a fact that when I see a bug larger than a few centimeters, I transform into a useless bundle of terror. So buckle up, readers, here comes the second written segment of my ongoing battle with the insects.

My roommate Molly and I were having a leisurely Saturday morning. We slept in, made coffee and tea, and bummed around in the living room until the early afternoon with the screen door open to enjoy the mild weather. Oh, the joys of college life in Southern California. At the point when we finally decided to start being productive, Molly left the living room briefly to grab one of her textbooks while I scrolled through a syllabus on my laptop. Unbeknownst to me, something terrible was about to go down.

When Molly reentered the room, I heard the sudden halt in her footsteps and a sharp intake of breath before hearing the dreaded phrase, “What… is… THAT?” I slowly raised my eyes from my computer screen to fixate on a two-inch dark blob of matter that had materialized in the middle of our living room floor. Fear welled up inside me before rolling up my throat and bursting out of my mouth:

“COCKROACH!”

Okay, full disclosure, this was not actually a cockroach. CBU maintains the campus very well, so our apartment was never actually under threat of infestation. This beast was actually just a ginormous beetle from Hades that had wandered in from our open door when we weren’t watching. I in my terror, however, did not care to differentiate between the species of insect and merely attributed a name to it in a moment of sheer panic and frazzled senses.

What happened next is purely a battle between human and nature. Molly, as it turns out, was almost as afraid of the thing as I was. She was able to think fast and throw a little cup over it before it could run away, leaving it temporarily trapped in the middle of our floor. What ensued shortly thereafter included a lot of babbling, shouting, deliberating, and yes, even a little bit of crying.

Molly and I did not know what to do with this giant beast in our apartment! We eventually came up with a master plan of attack: call every male we know and ask them for help. Unfortunately, no one was available at the time. After further minutes of panic and deliberation, we decided that there was no other way to go about this, and we had to battle the thing ourselves.

After the whole event with the beetle, Molly and I sat on our couch, severely shaken but laughing constantly at the fact that we were able to tame the beast. This was a serious coming of age moment, you see, and we got to share it with each other and recount it to others.

When Molly and I battled with the beast, we were not worried about our behavior. Our reactions were perfectly honest (if even slightly dramatic), but they were uninhibited. This is how everyone should be more often with each other. We should act in honesty and share our genuine fears, concerns, and eventual triumphs. A large part of college life includes finding like-minded individuals who you can grow with and learn from, and this process is helped along by honesty.

I sincerely hope that it doesn’t ever take a terrifying insect to bring you to a realization of the importance of honesty. I do know, however, that all shared experiences lead to new levels of bonding, and ultimately make memories that will last long after college ends. I know for a fact that I won’t be forgetting this adventure!

 The phrase “kindness is contagious” is well worn out but definitely rings true at California Baptist University. During this time of the year when spring is emerging, little bits of lovely things can go a long way in brightening a day.

There is nothing quite like those little extras to give you a breath of fresh air and add more spring to your step. Whether it’s an unexpected phone call, dinner with a best friend, or a really, really good cookie, some things are meant to be shared so that this little burst of goodwill can be passed on to other people.

This past week I was reminded of my appreciation for others and my enthusiasm for connection. I have received several little bits of encouragement that I feel obligated to pass on as I come into contact with other people. Blessings are not meant to be hoarded, and once the goodwill spreads, it doesn’t easily stop.

I have been reminded of the importance of rest and caring companionship as I experienced this past weekend. My weekend was spent in a restful state with one of my roommates as we stayed in our pajamas until 2, finished a few chores and made sure the other person completed the homework we had to finish for the upcoming week. It was so refreshing to mix a bit of lazy with a lot of productivity and encourage each other to complete all that we set out to do. Generally, my idea of a successful weekend would include at least one outstanding event involving a trip to the beach, movies, etc. This weekend fulfilled that idea of mine with just the restfulness and productivity of nights in to feed companionship. By Sunday night, I felt rested, prepared for class and ready to focus more on the people around me than on my own deadlines or fatigue.

I am also reminded of the importance of noticing your surroundings and allowing yourself to be affected by beauty. After the restful weekend, I was greeted by a chilly, yet sunny Monday morning. I saw this as just an extra little gift that God threw out there to remind me of how artful and creative He is in His decision to paint that sky and make the wind blow. Coming out of a few days of rest, I was all the more aware of how I should utilize my energy toward pointing out the beauty in others. Everyone needs a little boost after all, especially on an early Monday morning.

Another little thing that will lift my spirits in half a heartbeat is a cup of coffee. Coffee is my love language. Seriously, if anyone brings me this magic elixir without having to ask, they have melted me into a gushy ball of gratitude. A friend surprised me with a fresh cup for our morning class early this week, reminding me of just how far little acts of kindness can go. Not only did this action make my day, but it led me to be extra mindful of how to do the same back to her and everyone else.

I wonder if people always realize how far just a little bit of thoughtfulness goes. It can really change the course of an entire day and cause a chain reaction. I’m challenged once again to notice the beauty in everything, and come up with ways to give back the blessings I receive. I have been given fine examples of how to make someone’s day, and plan to pass those and more along as best I can.

I hope you find yourself in a week of blessing, friends. Even if you’re not, know that more are coming, and remember to notice the little things that contribute to a lovely day. An overall pleasant atmosphere is made up of a bunch of little pleasantries, and once they spread, the entire picture can change.

Let’s take a moment to think back to high school. Oh, yes: the inconsistent friendships, the pretending, and the unbearably awkward social interactions. I’m immediately reminded of that one time that I was dropped by my dance partner and landed on my head in front of my entire team. Some stories like this will never be forgotten, but thank the Lord that for this period of time, the phrase “this too shall pass” rings true.

The average high school experience also includes a powerful fear of merging friends with your family. For whatever reason in high school, it is generally known that your family is exceedingly uncool. Having your family members present at any event with friends was considered sure-fire social suicide. We tended to use our time in high school to try and separate ourselves from the constant presence of our family and spend much more time with friends. That’s what is considered normal and acceptable, using high school logic, anyway.

Thankfully, this high school truth usually reverses in college. If you’re anything like me, and you decide to move hundreds of miles away from your hometown to attend a university, (a choice I would surely make all over again), your family suddenly becomes just about the best thing ever.

After high school, I began to develop a desire to introduce all of my friends to my family and keep them a part of my life. I no longer fill my parents in on my life’s events because I have to–now I really want to.

The times when I do get to see my family are so much more exciting, as it only happens every so often during a busy semester. This past weekend, my parents and brother drove down from northern California to visit. I couldn’t successfully contain my excitement as I heard their knock on my apartment door. Visits are now eagerly anticipated, as we get to catch up on life and I get to show them off to my friends.

When your family visits your university, you suddenly come up with thousands of possible things to show them. I always have way too many events placed on my agenda when my family visits, one of the first being a trip to Target to stock up on everything that I lack. Believe me, you never fully appreciate free deodorant until you have to get used to buying it yourself. When your parents buy things for you, like groceries and movie tickets and an off-campus dinner, it’s a marvelous treat. (Thanks, family!)

After the initial shopping spree and dinner out to Thai food, I was able to take my family to Laguna Beach, the giant antique shop downtown, and to my new church. I had such an amazing time that I can fully appreciate a separate world from my high school years. Showing my family all the things I have discovered at my new home and connecting them with my friends and their families is such a huge thrill.

College most certainly depletes the high school mentality and brings a new excitement for bridging two worlds together. I guess that’s one of the perks of growing up!

My friends, BEWARE. Mid-February is upon us, signifying the return of annual weeks of “give ups.”

College students all know what I am referring to. After the first of January, all of us are filled with passion and determination to maintain all of our New Year’s resolutions. As active, hopeful young adults, we truly believe for one fleeting moment that we will, in fact, get healthier, read more and stress less. Unfortunately, we all recognize the fact that many, if not all, of these resolutions do not last the year. By mid-February all resolve is forgotten, and many of us shrug it off saying, “Oh well, there’s always next year.”

Believe me, I understand the difficulties of keeping up New Year’s Resolutions as well as the next hopeful. I set high goals and am bummed when they are not fully met. Once classes settle into a comfortable routine, it is easy to scrape on by and neglect new priorities made early in the year. I believe, however, that if you want something to change in your life, there is no better time than the present to start working towards your goals.

Let this post be my encouragement to all of us students to return to our priorities and continue on this adventuresome quest of resolving to achieve our goals. It does not matter if we have perhaps missed the bar already. Let us start from scratch and work toward a more well-rounded and healthy lifestyle during this next year in our lives as students.

I’ll first cover a New Year’s Resolution that is popular on campus, especially among all of my English major comrades. This goal is to simply read more books for fun. This is vitally important to edify the spirit and enrich one’s repertoire. Reading at least one unassigned book every month or so adds to a richer college experience and gives students the ability to extend the learning experience outside the classroom.

My advice for keeping this resolution is to first start small. Too often I’ll reach for the books that weigh as much as a large brick and bring dense concepts as well as lofty style. The goal to finish it usually crashes and burns when I lay on my couch, get 10 pages in and snap it shut in angry exasperation. We have all been there. So, rather than experience this once more, I have decided to start with the books I typically refer to as “cotton candy.” These are the lighter works with lots of shelf-appeal that I pick up in a bookstore and easily devour in a matter of days. When you start small, it is easier to develop the habit of simply reading for the pleasure of gaining new insights.

A second, wildly popular new year resolution goal that usually ends abruptly is physical fitness. Oh, yes, I know that this is a hard one. This is the one in which I go to the gym once and try running on the elliptical. We all know what comes next. I tire after what feels like an hour but is actually just five minutes, then collapse on the floor groaning dejectedly as I become sore before even leaving the gym.

My advice for achieving a healthier lifestyle is pretty simple: find a buddy and make it a routine. We all need a little bit of accountability to form a more difficult habit. At California Baptist University, it is fairly easy to find someone to go to the Recreation Center with as it is a nice, brand new facility and offers a little something for everyone, athletic or not. Find a friend who will accompany you consistently, then develop the habit. Once you get used to going to the Recreation Center, find the exercise you enjoy, and choose to do that. To make the time fly, you can even bring a book to read as you run on the treadmill or cycle. (See what I did there? Merging goals is the way to go!) Once one habit is formed, other adjustments will soon follow, developing into a healthier lifestyle than ever before.

As always, I must emphasize that in order to maintain a well rounded, driven life. It is important to stop and smell the roses as they grow. Always find time to meet someone new, invest in an old friend, drink some coffee and be amazed at God. As you budget your time and fit in all your new habits, remember to enjoy life, embrace opportunities, and serve the Lord in all you do.

Time seems to be a temperamental character in my life. It goes quickly one season, entirely too slowly the next and then it switches tempo over the course of a single weekend. God must have designed our perception of time this way to serve a certain purpose. Changes in time throughout each experience reveals much about the way we handle events and what we view as important. As always, each week that passes teaches me to embrace each and every moment and even enjoy any little oddity that comes my way.

To illustrate what I mean by oddities and scattered occurrences, I will briefly explain my current dream situation. Lately, I have been having vivid dreams.

One such subconscious adventure included a camping trip with my family and a few friends from high school. We were in the wilderness of the Deep South, surrounded by swamp creatures and traveling circus performers. Each night, the performers at the campground provided entertainment for us, incorporating different swamp animals in their act. One evening, the lead actor announced his upcoming stunt featuring the largest, strongest and most mysterious creature in the entire swamp: the ever-elusive Bigfoot.

The details of my dream are fuzzy at this point, and I cannot remember the majority of what occurred after the show with the Sasquatch. I woke up just as my family and I finally made it to a different portion of the campground after avoiding capture with the help of an unusually friendly ‘squatch. I have no idea how we got there or what happened, but I most definitely wish I could have remembered our survival tactics so I could use these necessary skills in future camping trips that may go awry. After all, you never know when you will need to befriend or avoid a Bigfoot.

I will admit that this is not the strangest dream I have ever had (oddly enough), but this one did cause me to be reminded of how important it is to observe and cherish details in life.

Here, amidst the constant happenings of the college lifestyle, time moves by in scattered increments. It is easy to look at just the general picture and miss out on the details that pass you by. In between class, Woo Week, rock climbing at the new Recreational Center and coffee shops, I constantly fall into the mistake of living deadline to deadline and missing a few stops in between. This is why I constantly note the importance of building relationships both on and off campus, especially with fellow students and those in leadership. Once I stop whatever I am doing and break routine for a moment, I immediately see twice as much beauty than I had before. Conversations with a trusted resident advisor, reuniting with an old First-Year Orientation and Christian University Success Leader or simply conversing with someone new helps to open yourself up to new possibilities and enjoy the journey all students go through at California Baptist University. We surely are here for each other, and we should enjoy this unique time of fellowship as we strive to earn a well-rounded education.

As Christ lived a life aware of others and keen to advance the kingdom of God, so we as believers should do what it takes to observe life. Relationships, worship and service opportunities are all around, and it is a shame to miss out on any because of too much focus on routine. The time will come where we look back on life at CBU and think fondly on our friends and adventures, rather than that one paper you stressed over for a while. It is the details that we will remember; so let us embrace them now. After all, if the (unlikely) time comes where we all must learn to befriend a Bigfoot, the details are what we will want to remember.

Kids, it’s approaching faster than you think: the season that causes the men on campus to turn on the charm and the women on campus to prepare to swoon. Hold onto your hats because Woo Week is upon us!

“Woo” is a yearly event in which all guys on campus crank up the class and embrace their inner gentleman. The objective is to make the ladies of CBU feel appreciated, and several events throughout the week contribute to this. Woo week includes various events that, like the Sadie Hawkins-inspired TWIRP week, are geared towards strengthening friendships and adding to campus-wide connectedness. Most events are shared between friends and include concerts, classy dinners, and spontaneous trips. Taking a look around campus now, one can see the tangible buzz of excitement looming over us all.

The week will kick off with a concert put on by a talented band that I highly recommend everyone check out. My friends and I will undoubtedly attend this performance by the always-wonderful My Double, My Brother. This indie band based in La Mirada, California has gained a large following at CBU that is sure to grow after their appearance for Woo Week. The ensemble includes eclectic sounds with thought-provoking lyrics that delve in biblical overtones. One of my roommates’ brothers is a band member, and because of this connection I have had the privilege of meeting the band members on several occasions. Not only are they extremely talented, they maintain a humility and passion for music that is apparent during each performance.

Let me take a moment to build up the excitement here: I cannot adequately express my love for this band. They sound as great as coffee tastes. CBU students, if you have not heard this band before, come to their Woo event. I promise you will not regret it.

In the midst of the event-filled week of concerts and double dates, a select group of gentlemen prepare for the grand finale, or the show that embodies all that is “Woo:” Friday night’s Woo Fest. This event begins with a garden party-inspired gathering, which usually includes finger foods, hot drinks, and great company. The dress code is on the fancy side, which adds to the fun. Students then enter the gym to see a classy set up, with VIP sections and a decked-out stage. Once everyone finds a seat, the audience is serenaded by comedy acts, musical performances, dance numbers, homemade videos, and so much more. It is a gesture by CBU men to the women, letting us know that we are appreciated and worthy of being wooed. Woo Fest generally turns out to be one of the most talked about events on campus and is a great way to wrap up a spirited week.

Woo Week provides great opportunities to get involved, meet new people, and burn off the stress of steadily approaching due dates. Gentlemen, now is the time to charm us all as our CBU ladies enjoy the appreciation of this wooing season.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

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“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient is the day for its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:34 (ESV)

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I have come to highly value the opportunity I have had to spend at California Baptist University so far. I have further developed my knowledge and passion for literature, have befriended people that can be best described as saints, and have gone on so many adventures around Southern California that I would not have had the opportunity to do otherwise. I believe that my time here has provided me with a well-rounded education, not just in academics but in life skills as well. I have established such a wonderful life in Riverside, and I am so thankful that God gave me this opportunity.

That being said, I have spent a lot of time this week looking toward the future. Not in a crystal ball kind of way, (that’s creepy), but in a pondering way. As my life goes on, I am constantly reminded of how quickly things change and how often God brings us through areas we do not expect to find ourselves in. Whether it is a financial difficulty, a family crisis, or any other turn of events, we have no way of seeing certain events come are way. As I have consistently realized this year, life moves quickly and without our permission. I am convinced, however, that this is a deeply wonderful thing.

Most of these thoughts were brought on this week by, as ever, a conversation with dear friends. During a certain “low” of the week, two of my closest friends and I gathered together to talk and pray about what was on our minds. As we shared our rawest emotions and deeply rooted fears, we began to focus on one central idea that we were able to use to bring us back to our senses.

Life is uncertain, but God is certain. He will take us to exactly where He wants us, and all we need to follow Him is the air in our lungs and the blood in our veins.

My friends and I are nearly halfway through our undergraduate work, and that is an achievement we could never have fully grasped two years ago. An education is a huge blessing and should not be belittled. It allows us to use our minds to serve the Lord in our field of interest, and that is a sincere form of worship. Together, we have been able to fully appreciate all we have learned from our classes and from each other. As life propels us further into the new and unknown, I find that so many things are uncertain. I also recognize that God has plans for us, and we will follow Him to wherever He wants us to go.

As I move through life in all of its silliness, chaos, and beauty, I learn that while life is uncertain and unpredictable, God is unchanging. He is steady, loving, and as David the psalmist would say, a fortress. As long as we are in His company, He will protect us and make sure that we are accounted for.

I include the verses at the beginning of this post to emphasize the truth of their statements. Anxieties over the uncertainties of life are fleeting, and we should dismiss them quickly as such. The promises we receive through the Lord are lasting, and I know that the only thing that matters in life is His honor and love. I will leave you with one last phrase that brings me back to full contentment and joy in who my God is and what He does.

“In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” – Psalm 56:10-11 (ESV)

Believe it or not, I’m not talking about Christmas.

My friends, the beginning of each semester in college is a truly wonderful time. I know I sound a bit like Hermione Granger when I say this, but I really do get excited about diving into new classes. The start of each new class means it is time to become increasingly excited about a new schedule and new materials to learn. The environment is fresh, the students are lively, the professors are excited, and the assignments are few. When the workload is less, this leaves room for a bit more silliness.

Okay, let’s be real.

Because life is unpredictable, silliness in moderation is necessary. Life can be exhausting, exciting, inconsistent, and invigorating all at once. It seems to go by so fast, yet proves to be as short as an individual day is long. Silliness and fun allows us to take ourselves less seriously, focus on those we care about and clear our minds so that we can focus more effectively on what lies ahead.

As the first week of the semester drew to a close, I began to notice how wonderful the people in my classes are. Some are close friends, while others are acquaintances that I am looking forward to spending more time with. With each new group, initial awkwardness can be hard to beat as everyone attempts to get to know each other both inside and outside the classroom. After some thinking, a group of us were able to create a new tradition that I think will become a surefire way to ease tensions during our study sessions. This tradition is something I like to call a Creative Sock Party.

Here are the Sock Party rules:

• You must look ridiculous
• You mustn’t care that you look ridiculous
• You must make someone laugh
• The tackier the better

After a day full of class, work, and various other obligations, a large group of us met at a friend’s apartment to laugh, show off our socks, and watch movies. The time spent together was terribly refreshing and allowed us all to let down our guard, be amiable, and get to know each other better.

As this is the season of New Year’s Resolutions, I have made an effort to try to observe and enjoy life as much as I analyze it. After an engaging class discussion or a challenging assignment, I found that a bit of silly is just what I need to balance myself out again. I have noticed that the best times to create new traditions and build upon new relationships are the first weeks of each semester when time permits us to relax a bit more and dive into our learning experience surrounded by old and new friends.

It’s so beneficial to let your hair down every so often. Put yourself out there, look silly, laugh freely, and be open to new relationships. We are all in a similar place in life, and experience is often better when shared. College is a time for learning, from both professors and other students. When you get the chance, embrace the silly as well as the serious. You’ll be amazed at the memories you make.