Hello readers of The Wake,

I’d like to informally welcome you to 2020. It is the start of a new decade, a new semester and many new beginnings. We have already seen so much in just the first month of this new year. The what seems to be never-ending impeachment trial, the iconic jaw-dropping JLo and Shakira halftime show performance, and the tragic helicopter accident that took nine lives and impacted a nation forever. We have learned that life is too unexpected and too precious. We have learned that we may not always have the answers or the correct responses to difficult times. We have also learned the importance of continuing to question anything and everything.

This is a time full of huge changes in my life, as I’m sure is true for plenty of others too. I find myself questioning absolutely everything. Am I doing enough? What will I do once this semester is over and I am officially a college graduate? Did I pick the right major? What about my minor, was that a waste of time? My mind is flooding with questions of self-doubt and insecurities. Often, I would let these negative thoughts and feelings get the best of me, preventing me from moving toward the changes. Not this time. Even though I am uncertain about everything that is coming my way, I am choosing to remain optimistic. I know that whatever life throws at me, I can handle it.

I think we put too much pressure on ourselves. We feel like we need to have a game plan and a timeline for the rest of our lives. We feel pressure to have a plan for what we’ll study in college, where we will work after, how much money we want to be making, when we’ll buy a house, when we’ll start a family. I am here to say that is a load of crap. These pressures we feel have been ingrained in our brain since we were little kids, which probably hasn’t had the healthiest impacts on our lives. Not knowing what your next move is going to be is totally acceptable. I don’t know about you, but personally, I feel more comfortable and free when I allow myself to just go with the flow of things. I don’t want to have my life planned out. That doesn’t sound very fun. I want to live in the moment and take things one day at a time, because we aren’t guaranteed a tomorrow. That may sound corny, but it’s true. Why spend your days stressing about what your future is going to look like, when you could simply be enjoying the life you are currently living.

This year, I am making it a point to push myself to start being more present, for myself and for others. Taking the time out of my busy schedule to take a step back and appreciate all that I am and all that I have. I will speak out about things that I believe are important. I will acknowledge the hard work of myself and my peers, and not let it go unrecognized. I will tell the ones important to me that I love them. I will cuddle with my cat. I will eat and drink whatever makes me feel good. I will continue to express myself through my love of fashion. Maybe I will even dye my hair a fun color and get more tattoos. Jeez, who knows. This year, my only plan is to do what will make me the happiest.

I urge you to do the same.

Thank you for picking up this issue of The Wake! I hope it brings you insight into at least one thing you didn’t know you needed to know.

Take care,

Madison Amland

Letter from Social Media Manager