Last week I arrived at the Rose library ready to sit down for an hour and listen to some tips on living a healthy and happy life. When I walked in, however, I was pleasantly surprised to find that all of the tables were covered in pumpkins and carving tools. I quickly looked around to check if I was in the right place and, when I was assured I was, I found a seat alongside some fellow peers who seemed just as surprised as I was. Then, we all did some verbal brainstorming of carving ideas and hesitantly began carving (since many of us had not done so in a very long time).

Through the duration of the activity, I felt extremely relaxed and carefree. I could not remember a time this semester that I had not thought about work or upcoming exams. Like many Cornell students, I am so constantly bogged down by academic, social, and career pressures, that I often fail to step back and take my health and happiness into consideration. While many students cope well with pressure and effectively manage their time and responsibilities, many (like myself at times), often find it difficult to handle all of life’s many challenges at once–especially in a rigorous academic environment like Cornell. That being the case, it is extremely important that we take the time out of our schedules to step back and engage in activities like pumpkin carving, for they allow our minds and bodies a chance to rest and recuperate.

In the end, while this was not the event I was expecting to attend, I did walk away reminded of the value that fun, social activities can have for one’s health and happiness.

Happy early Halloween, everyone!