Last semester was tough. I know; I was there. In fact, last year was a total b— well, uh, let’s just say difficult. Good news, though: It’s a new year and a new semester and you have new classes and a whole new start.
Because Eastern Michigan University is aware of the struggles students face, Student Government has put together a series of events.
Ladies and gentlemen, EMU presents: Winterfest. This is perfect for someone who likes delicious eateries, foot-tapping music and exciting seasonal activities, including, but not limited to, hot chocolate, ice sculptures and ice skating. Oh, and did I mention
it’s free?
On Monday, Jan. 14, from 12-4 p.m., students can see which student organizations are available at EMU. Located in the Student Center Ballrooms A and B, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people who are interested in the exact same things you are, like the Dodgeball Club, College Democrats and several fraternities and sororities.
Later, in the evening, from 8-11:30 p.m., the ballrooms will be transformed into energized discotheques, pulsating with the most popular and recent music. If you’re lucky, you may just hear “Gangnam Style.” You’ll also be able to fill your belly with mouth-watering snacks.
From 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the plethora of majors EMU has to offer; this will be hosted in Student Center Ballroom A.
If you’re right-brained and have an artistic or creative side, collect some information on applied music or interior design. If you’re left-brained, and you lean toward the more analytical side of things, pick up a pamphlet on economics or legal assisting. For those of you who can’t choose a side (like me), you could pursue a creative writing major with an accounting minor.
If your aim is to care for the community, your interests may lie in nursing or counseling, and if you desire a more active lifestyle, maybe recreation or public safety is the best route for your education. If the above examples don’t tickle your fancy, just remember that these are only a handful of the more than 200 majors, minors and concentrations EMU offers. As an added bonus, this event will include face painting, balloon twisting, a photo booth, free food (of course) and a live deejay.
On Wednesday, Jan. 16 from 2-4 p.m., stop by the first floor of the Student Center and see what kind of food is available. If you weren’t aware, several restaurants are located inside the Student Center. Get your coffee fix at Starbucks, or pick up a burrito at the Salsa Grille. If you’re looking to eat a little healthier, stop by the GreenMarket Bistro or Subway. Those aren’t all of the restaurants located so close to your hungry study circles, so come and find out what else there is to satisfy your palate.
All day on Thursday, Jan. 17, there will be a seasonal engagement on the first floor of the Student Center and outside on the patio, where your ears can partake of beats by “Detroit’s Hit Music Station,” WKQI 95.5 FM’s Bomb Squad (just make sure you attend from 12-2 p.m. to catch this special treat).
If that’s not riveting enough, there will be ice skating (weather permitting), complimentary hot cocoa, ice sculptures and my personal favorite, caricatures. So lace up your skates, prepare your sweet tooth and strike your best cartoon pose.
To wrap up the fun-filled week, Friday, Jan. 18, at 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., the animated film “Hotel Transylvania” will be shown in the Student Center Auditorium. Chock full of “Saturday Night Live” voice talents like Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Molly Shannon, David Spade and Chris Parnell, “Hotel Transylvania” is a guaranteed comic riot. The movie will also be accompanied by free popcorn.
Homework and classes can be stressful, but it doesn’t mean every aspect of college has to be. Winterfest is the perfect chance to relax, let loose and forget about that upcoming presentation for a couple of hours. With six days of opportunities for fun, occurring at different time blocks, there’s no excuse not to attend at least one exciting event Winterfest has to offer. Take a chance and take a break.
