Happy Friday, everyone!
Recently, I’ve been watching the Refinery29 series, Try Living with Lucie. In the series, the host, Lucie, tries new social experiments every week, 5 days at a time. Some previous examples have included: 5 days with no cell phone, 5 days of veganism, 5 days of exercise, and 5 days of waking up at 5am. I’ve been inspired recently by her challenges, and since it’s still early in the semester, I wanted to share what I’ve been thinking of trying. College is the perfect time to be exploring new things, and this semester is no exception. Plus, trying gives me the added benefit of doing something new with the freedom to completely fail – and that is totally okay.
Coming back from a semester abroad has taken a fair share of adjustment. I didn’t feel particularly connected to any of my old orgs except for one, so I wanted to try something new. Yesterday, I went to my first Yanvalou practice. Yanvalou is a drum and dance ensemble that performs the folkloric music and dance of Africa and the African Diaspora, particularly in Haiti and Brazil. It’s a faculty-directed ensemble, and actually directed by a Wellesley alum! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. For two hours last night, we sang, we drummed, we samba-danced… honestly, the best Thursday night I’ve had in awhile. What’s even more exciting: it’s Yanvalou’s 30th anniversary this year, so there is celebration involved! I’m looking forward to continuing with it and improving my drumming and dancing skills.
I’m also going to try to not stress out over the little things this semester. It’s easier said than done, but too often, I find myself getting hung up over one exam or getting swept away with all the craziness. I think it’s honestly worth taking a step back, looking at everything in the grand scheme of things, and letting the little things go. My friend and I were talking yesterday about this very topic: ever since coming back from England, I’ve been intentional in taking a broader perspective on things. And it’s made me so much happier.
The final thing I want to try doing this semester: actively engage with and appreciate my Wellesley community. Whether it be exercising four times a week (shoutout to my gym/running buddy Katie), chatting about the week during Shabbat dinners, grabbing weekly lunches, or accidentally spending the entire evening in front of the fireplace at Lulu catching up with old friends, I’m working on taking it all in. At the end of the day, Wellesley is the way it is because of the relationships and people I’ve met.
What new thing are you going to try?
Until next time,
Shreya
Sunshine in Founders, Wednesday afternoon