How Many People Are Actually Happy?

Overwhelmingly, the questions you asked revealed the fundamental uncertainties we all face when entering new situations. They addressed the mundane and the profound, equally examining the realities that lead to this one question:

How Many People Are Actually Happy?

You know I can't give you a number, right? That's not what you were really asking. You were asking about what it takes to be truly happy and wondering if very many people actually get there. We can seem happy on the outside when we know we aren't really. So, how do you actually get happy? Researcher Brene Brown seems to have figured it out a bit. Watch her 2010 Ted Talk on "The Power of Vulnerability." Then, come back here (or on Twitter) and let us know what you think. Does college make you feel vulnerable? Are you embracing that vulnerability or faking confidence? What about social media? Does telling the world how much you think you're going to fail a quiz or a class demonstrate your vulnerability or not? Let's talk about it, emkay?

Cheers,

Dr. Y

Is it possible to be too involved?

Is it possible to be too involved?







No, never.  In fact, you should join so many organizations that you don't have time to attend class, sleep, eat, or study.



No, wait!  You're here to get an education first and be involved second, so scratch that.

Yes, you can be too involved.  As a college student, your first priority should be to do well in your classes so that you can finish your degree, which means attending classes regularly, studying for your classes, and submitting all work.  Beyond the time spent attending classes and working on things for class, you should of course get involved in things around campus.  However, you should also be cautious not to join so many organizations, attend so many events, say "yes" to every thing someone asks you to do to the point that your grades and/or health suffer and you possibly get stressed out from being too involved.

Just like anything else in life, college should have a good balance to it.  If you find that you aren't sleeping as much or eating as healthy or you feel stressed out due to too many events or organizations or too much involvement, you might want to assess what can be cut in order to maintain a better balance.

Of course, if you aren't involved in anything, you should be. "All work and no play made Jack (and Jill) a dull boy (and girl)."

Not sure what to do, check out the Get Involved section of the Student Resources page on the UTC website.

Go out there and find your good balance!

Professor Chatterbox

Does college change you or do you change yourself?

Does college change you or do you change yourself?






Yep, college changes you alright. After the professors brainwash you into thinking exactly like they do, you become cloned automatons of the professors--only able to repeat what you learned in class and no longer capable of thinking for yourself.

Just kidding. :-)

All jokes aside. How much you do or don't change comes from the experiences you have in college. The life experience of going out into the world, shifting from high school to college, figuring things out on your own, making new friends, taking classes, navigating your place in the world, and experiencing completely new things can have a profound effect on a person's life. A wise student takes full advantage of all that college can offer and allows these things to change him/her for the better.

On the flip side, college can be rather boring if you only go to class and go to your room and never really take time to participate in campus life. Sure, you'll get your degree, but when you look back at your college years, will you have life long memories to carry with you forever?

As was often quoted to me by my older sibling, "college are the best four years of your life. Enjoy them." College is often a bit more than just four years nowadays, but the advice still rings true. Submerge yourself into the full experience of college: going to class, attending sporting events, joining clubs, studying hard, making new friends, and learning a lot.

So, take a class just because you want to.
Go to an event you wouldn't normally attend.
Meet a random person.
Learn a new language.
Try a new cuisine.  
Step outside of your comfort zone.
Take the road less travelled, and allow college to change you and you to change yourself for the better.

Be well,

Prof. Chatterbox

Is College Worth It?

Whether you are on a scholarship (HOPE or other) or working your butt off to pay for it (or possibly both!), you know that College. Is. Expensive. Naturally, you wonder:

IS COLLEGE WORTH IT?

The short answer is yes, but there is a much larger answer. Unfortunately (or fortunately), we are oh-so-condescendingly-busy in this, the first week of classes, so we will let our friend John Green answer for us.  

PS: He does it better than we could. 
PPS: He's not really our friend.
PPPS: Yet.


Cheers,
Dr. Y