The other day, while watching a television program on the Fox network called “Boston Public,” I saw a teacher using water therapy to help kids with cerebral palsy during his free time. I was reminded of how often I and many others often take our opportunities for granted—even something usually considered as simple as swimming in the pool or walking around the neighborhood unassisted.
During the frosty winter season at Rensselaer, it can be easy for you to ignore what’s happening around you and lazily stay in your dorm room, playing Quake III and listening to Limp Bizkit. You can give yourself self-serving excuses, such as “It’s too cold out” and “Nothing is great out there for me to do in the winter.” Ultimately, that is your choice to make.
But remember, however, that you are paying around $30,000 to attend RPI and that it would be wise for you to make use of everything that RPI has to offer.
So, I ask you to go out and take a leisurely walk around the RPI campus every now and then. Enjoy a few hockey or basketball games at the Houston Field House and at the Robinson Gym. Attend a musical concert at Mother’s or musical productions by the Rensselyrics or the Rusty Pipes. Watch a UPAC Cinema film. Visit the model railroad exhibit in Davison Hall. Use the telescope atop the Science Center to view the starry sky. There are many options available to students, perhaps even joining a new club like The Transit, the Photography Club, the Astronomy Club, or The Poly.
If you are an undergraduate, you are only here at Rensselaer for four years—at least most of you are, anyway. Take advantage of them. It is your time.
