Making conscious, active efforts to shift paradigms in positive way

It happens all too quickly—one day it’s shorts and tank top temperatures here at Geneseo, the next day it’s time to pull out your jeans and sweaters and start bundling up for the brutal cold. The abrupt change in weather seems to show that nature knows when syllabus week is over and when it’s time to start working hard. Class intensity picks up, due dates that seemed so far away in the first week are quickly approaching and the new school year resolutions you made are already starting to deteriorate. The “honeymoon” phase of the semester may be over, but that doesn’t mean things have to start going downhill.

Positive psychology is a field of study that states that consciously keeping a positive frame of mind can help one to attain a more satisfactory life. There are multiple ways one can maintain an optimistic attitude with which they began the semester. By simply changing the way you think, you can regain the sparkle and shine that comes with the beginning of each new semester.

To start, identify your strengths and focus on them. In today’s society, many people are not used to or uncomfortable talking about what they feel they are good at. This issue results from the idea that most people focus on areas of weakness with goals of improving in those areas. If you fall into this category and struggle to identify your strengths, try asking yourself questions like, “When was the last time I succeeded?” or “What did I do this week that I was proud of?”

Additionally, be conscious of how you express gratitude. The people you surround yourself with often influence how you feel or act—at least on a day-to-day basis. When you stop taking everything for granted, you will begin to notice the little things those around you are doing and you will feel grateful more often. Expressing this gratitude—which can be as simple as thanking a friend for a kind act—is important as well. If you do this, you will start to feel better about yourself and those around you.

Indulge in your passions and find time for things that you enjoy. College can be overwhelming, but focusing on the positive side of things will help you to be more productive and happier overall.

Stay safe, smart, and informed: Don't forget alcohol policies in Geneseo

With a new school year underway, many students enjoy going out to celebrate—oftentimes drinking alcohol. As with anything else that has age restrictions, there are some things that need to be kept in mind when going out with friends. Underage drinking is illegal. Unless you are 21 years old or older, you could get in trouble. That's commonplace knowledge, of course, but there are other rules in place on the Geneseo campus which students tend to be less familiar with.

Geneseo is not a dry campus; students of legal age are permitted to have alcohol in their dorms. Alcoholic beverages may only be stored and consumed in designated areas, however, and only with others 21 years old or older. For example, it is within the rules to store and consume alcohol in a personal dorm room, but not public areas like building lounges, rec rooms or laundry rooms.

According to Geneseo’s “Policies and Procedures” section of the student handbook, even in a personal room, a student of legal drinking age cannot have in possession more alcohol than what is considered enough for “private, individual consumption.” Additionally, students of any age are not permitted to drink at college-sponsored events unless it is otherwise stated.

There are a few other common things that one can get in trouble for. According to New York State law, charging or asking for “donations” for entrance to an event where alcohol is freely provided is illegal—especially if the organization does not have a liquor license.

In addition, the purchase of alcohol for a minor is illegal, and the use of fake identification is a class D felony in New York. By using one, you put a lot at stake and can suffer severe legal consequences. Another important rule to keep in mind is that open containers in public are always prohibited, regardless of one’s age.

A final thing to remember is a new law regarding parties that was unanimously voted on by the Village Board of Geneseo this past spring on April 20. This Social Host Law drastically alters the punishment for hosts of gatherings at which alcohol or illegal substances are provided to a minor. Hosts can now face up to $500 as well as possible jail time. Such significant consequences should be taken seriously and strongly considered when making party-planning decisions.

Debunking common college myths

Calling all freshmen and upperclassmen who are still a little lost: do you ever get confused by all of the horror stories about colleges? Do you ever find yourself second-guessing a decision that could possibly change your life? Fear not my friends and classmates because your very own college myth buster is here to help. College can be both a fun and scary time for people. Maybe it’s being away from home for the first time, not knowing what you want to do with your future. Maybe it’s simply having more difficult classes to deal with. Either way, everyone comes to college with some prior “knowledge” about it. What are the common myths that everyone has heard? More importantly, which ones are true and which are false?

One of the most common myths is that you have to graduate in four years. College doesn’t take the same amount of time for everyone. Some people take six years while others only take three. Despite how long it takes you, you’re still getting the education and that’s the important part.

Another widespread misconception is that declaring a major determines your entire future. Many people believe that once you decide on an academic track, you’ll be stuck with a career in that field forever. That’s not true. Sometimes life can throw you in for a loop. Even though you majored in biology, you might end up being a lawyer. Majors are meant to guide you, not decide life for you.

Some professors still take attendance just like high school teachers do. Even ones who don’t will generally take notice of absentees. So yes, you do have to go to class. But look at it this way: you’re learning things that you’re interested in, you get to decide what and when your classes are and you’re paying a lot of money to take them so you might as well attend. College classes are a lot more fun than high school, anyway; they’re engaging, interesting and exciting.

One last myth is that the website RateMyProfessor.com is a reliable source of information. It’s great to get a few opinions on a professor before you take a class with them, but don’t allow the opinions to be too influential when you make schedule. Yes, hearing terrible things about a professor can be daunting, but every student learns differently. Perhaps this professor could become your favorite. As trite as it sounds, don’t judge a book by its cover.

Don’t let some silly college myths prevent you from having an incredible college experience. Listen to what people say, but take everything with a grain of salt and learn from your own observations and experiences.