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Script art/Allison Repensky
“Hey Ned, sometimes I miss my high school experience because it was more fulfilling and joyous than my college experience so far. How can I help college to have that same sort of experience?”
Ned: Hiya, friend! I get it—the transition from high school to college can be overwhelming, and it can sometimes feel completely unmanageable. But fear not! Let’s dive in and look at a few ways you can navigate the rough waters of college.
First, find your people. Join clubs focused on things you’re interested in. Do you like reading? Try Book Club! Are you passionate about recycling and climate change? Join Earth Action! I’m not saying you must join every club that interests you, but you should try branching out. You’ll meet new people that way. It sure sounds like a lot, but it gets easier. I promise! The hard part is figuring out what interests you, pursuing it, and meeting new people along the way.
Sir Ned III, Nature’s Guardian: Oh, my friend, but don’t forget about the spirit of adventure! Embark on adventures with other adventurers—explore the mystical city around you and take on as many quests and side quests that interest you!
Ned: Huh. I can’t believe it. Sir Ned III actually gave some good advice. Don’t forget to get out there and explore all that Duluth has to offer. As a college student, you’re offered a lot more freedom than in high school, so take advantage of it! Go on a walk with some friends or go skiing at Spirit Mountain… but only after your homework is done (or at least most of it).
Also, remember that some of your closest friends come from college! I met my best friend by chance during Welcome Weekend because we had very similar interests—and it helped to be able to have someone by my side from the beginning..
College is what you make of it, friend. Immerse yourself in what you’re studying and/or what you love (hopefully it’s both), and surround yourself with people who can support you. Also, don’t forget to go to class and participate (and yes, that means actually reading).
“Hey there, Ned! Sometimes I feel like I’m trapped on an island here at CSS. How do I mitigate that feeling when I don’t have a car and am too shy to use the bus system?”
Ned: Hiya, friend! You’ve come to the right narwhal. Believe me, I’m stuck in an ice bath in The Script office half the time since us narwhals are sea creatures, so it’s hard for me to get out there. Trust me, though, when I say that you’re not alone. There are other students who are in the same boat as you! While it’s a great thing for the College to be small and community-oriented, it can also feel isolating at times. But don’t fear—there are plenty of things you can do to help you feel less trapped and alone, especially if you can’t get off campus.
First, check out the SaintsLife app. Sea-riously. There are so many events going on around campus every single day. Find something that interests you and just go for it. Who knows? You might even meet some new people or end up joining a club you never knew existed.
Also, consider carpooling with someone you know on campus. This can be a great way to get off campus and do something fun with people you know, especially if you’re part of a club or organization. And don’t be afraid to ask to ride with someone! There are lots of people on campus (especially those who live in the dorms) who don’t have access to transportation or don’t have their driver’s license. No shame whatsoever. If you don’t know anyone with a car, try posting in the carpool feed on SaintsLife—I use it all the time to get to the aquarium to visit my friends.
“Ned, I’m seriously struggling. It gets so dark way too early, and it’s affecting my motivation. I can’t get anything done when it’s so dark and dreary out! Got any advice for a sun-starved student?”
Ned: Hiya, friend! Sounds like you could benefit from light therapy! Now, I’m no doctor, but it’s getting to that time of year where we’re getting less and less sunlight, and that can be tough for those of us with and without seasonal affective disorder (SAD). I totally get the feeling. Once fall and winter hit, I start to feel sleepy and sluggish. I mean, can you really expect me to want to get work done when it’s just so… dark and dreary out?
If it’s really starting to get to you, I’d suggest at least trying light therapy (especially if you’re sun-starved) and getting some fresh air once in a while. We all need breaks, especially around finals week. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed and sluggish, head on over to the library on campus (if you can) or consider buying or renting a sun lamp. The library recommends sitting a few feet away from the lamp for about 15 to 20 minutes in the early morning to mimic the sunrise. It’s important, though, that you don’t stare into the light… as much as you may want to.
Light therapy might seem a little weird, but it’s thought to affect brain chemicals linked to your mood. So it can help you feel better as long as you stick to a daily routine. It might help ease feelings of hopelessness, unhappiness and irritability, but you should remember to stick to other healthy lifestyles, too!
Also, plan your days accordingly—try to get your work done earlier in the morning or earlier in the afternoon if you can. Preferably before it gets dark. But if you really need to get work done when it’s dark, take more frequent breaks. You need to figure out what study routines work best for you—something that’s comforting but also conducive to your productivity. Good luck, friend, and finish out finals week strong!
Well, that’s all for this edition of Ned Talks. If you have a query you’re just dying to ask, don’t be afraid to write in and ask me for advice. Remember: don’t hit the wall—call Ned the Narwhal!
Stay tuna-ed for more content when we return for the Spring semester. Sea you next year!
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