Madelyn Rinka, co-editor-in-chief, said:
“There’s a lot of small things that make me happy — but I think being able to find extra time to be outside is important to me. I already spend a lot of time out in nature for classes, but I’ve been trying to find other reasons to be outside: studying, sitting at restaurants and cafes or waiting outside on a bench instead of staying indoors. Appreciating the environment has always been a big part of my life, so finding little ways to do so always brightens my day.”
Rick Esner, news editor, said:
“One small thing that always makes me happy is going outside and breathing in the fresh air after being inside for a prolonged time. The feeling of just breathing in the air and looking up at the sky is euphoric and like no other. Especially when it is night time, the cool breeze flowing by and the night sky a dark purple is unimaginable. Take a moment and just breathe. ‘Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.’ Henry David Thoreau.”
Kathleen Crapson, chief of visual design, said:
“The instant I have coffee or tea, my heart soars with a deep sigh of “ahh, caffeine.” I know plenty of money saving blogs tout, “save x amount of money by skipping your morning latte,” but I can’t kick the habit. If a cafe has chai tea or cold brew coffee, I have to splurge and give it a try. It’s my goal to sample new flavor combinations and concoctions, and it makes me feel like I have a mini adventure in a cup.”
Flor Mireles, copy editor, said:
“Something really small that always make me happy is finding mushrooms while walking around campus or taking nature walks. In fact, just a few weeks ago I found a half fairy ring — a circle of mushrooms — near Gold Circle Lake. Actually, I feel there are a lot of things that make me happy: music, food, nature, life; the list is infinite. At the end of the day, happiness is subjective and different for each person. Happiness is all in the eye of the beholder.”
Mario Lorrimer, business manager, said:
“I am grateful for many things in life, and I definitely think the small things that I’m grateful for can be overlooked. I am grateful for tiny little lizards that live in flowers. They are very cute and they always look so happy and comfortable. I enjoy seeing them every time I pass by. I also enjoy the smell of fresh crisp air. There’s just something about good air without gas fumes that floats my boat. Please take care of our environment so I can continue to enjoy breathing. The final small thing that I am very grateful for is having conversations with my friends. I really enjoy chatting and learning new things from those around me.”
Kelsey Bruce, arts and entertainment editor, said:
“I am grateful to have adopted a cuddly, sometimes dumb cat. I have wanted a cat my whole life, and when I finally got one, my quality of life has increased tenfold. It’s delightful to watch Penelope do cat things that don’t make sense and then share those things with my loved ones. When I get down because of how much stress I’m under or something bad that has happened in my life, it helps to remember that I am also lucky in a lot of ways — familially, educationally, financially — and that those aspects of my life allow so many other wonderful things to come into it — like my meowling kitty.”
Emma Heineman, features editor, said:
“I am someone who finds joy in lots of little things. As cliche as it sounds, I think it is the little things that make life big. One small thing that never fails to make me happy are my plants. I have a habit of buying plant — lots of plants, especially when I’m stressed or sad. Filling my apartment with unique plants of all shapes and sizes is an oddly cathartic experience and adds a calming element to my daily routine. I hate to be cooped up inside, especially when I live in such a gorgeous place, but my plants bring a little bit of nature into my life.”
Cameron Pritchett, sports editor, said:
“One thing that never fails to make me happy is music, particularly live music. I could be in the worst mood; if I turn on the right song, it will instantly fix that. As for concerts, I’m not sure what I love so much about them; you’re elbow to elbow with strangers, there’s no water and you have to wait a while. But as soon as the artist(s) come out, I lose my mind. My friends Sean and Matthew like the same music as me, and they have become some of my closest friends through our love of going to live shows. The excitement and adrenaline rush you get from seeing your favorite artist live is incomparable to anything else for me.”
Photo: L. Nada
