Dorm Life!

I moved into New Hall East, where the Honors House is located, last year and still live there. For me, “back in the day” is right now. I chose this option because I wanted to live in one of the Living, Learning Communities (LLCs). I was torn between the Honors and the Business House, but ended up opting for the Honors House mainly because it was in New Hall, which is like a hotel. New Hall is set up in “clusters”; basically 12 people share a common area, and have their own room, while sharing a bathroom with 1 other person. Having my own room is very convenient, even though it is a bit on the smaller side.

Living in New Hall ended up being a great decision for me. I met some of my best friends, and many of the people who would go on to be in my organizations. They got me involved in campus. I recommend anyone to live in new hall, as of the convenience of the facilities and the community-based set up. If I had to make a recommendation about where to live, I would recommend New Hall or the newly renovated Grant Tower. As traditional and classic as the other dorms and residence halls can be, I would recommend the newer ones; having a new building I think gives an overall better experience.

Sometimes, my cluster and I will just spend the whole day together. That is the beauty of the cluster format; if everyone is out, either hanging out, studying, or just being social it feels like a bonded group. If you need some time to yourself, your single room is the perfect place to which to retreat. About once a week, we will all set aside some time and go to Buffalo Wilds Wings, Aspen Leaf, or anywhere really; the most important aspect is that most of our cluster hangs out together. Many of us are in the same classes, which is very helpful for homework and studying.

Because of many of the positive experiences and fun I have had, it is likely that I may stay in the dorms all 4 years I am on campus. Not having to cook, clean, and worry about rent and other bill payments makes life easier- for me, life being easier is a great thing.

 

J.A.K.

Random Acts of Kindness

Random acts of kindness are some of the most inspiring things that can be done. People with no motive doing something positive for someone else for no personal gain. There’s no reward, no publicity, and no motive other than to help others- truly awe-inspiring. International Random Acts of Kindness week is upon us (February 10-16), and I am hoping that with the I Heart NIU campaign underway that it will gain traction. If even the number of random acts of kindness increases by 1, it will all have been worth it. One act can change someone’s life for the better indefinitely.

I myself have actually been impacted greatly by the impact of a stranger. Last year I tore my ACL and was dealing with the DeKalbian winter in a knee brace and crutches- it was not pretty. I was post-surgery and crutching back to my dorm room from the bus stop when I slipped on the ice and fell. The pain itself was bearable, but the thought of getting up and having to try again and ending in futility. A random man came up and asked if I needed help. I took him up on his offer he picked me up with his bare hands (not an easy task) and helped me get situated with my crutches. He even carried by backpack back all the way to my dorm for me. Immediately after, he left. I never even found out his name and yet that simple act changed how I viewed strangers.

Since then, I have been trying to pay it forward. Whenever I am able, I try to help people that are in need. In what little free time I do have, I help out in the community with blood and food drives, and try to make it out to Feed’em Soup as much as I can. Although maybe not considered a “random” act of kindness, there is nothing better in the world than seeing the reactions of people being helped. Altruism is the reason that many people will stop going about their days to help others, or will donate their time, talent, and treasure just because.  

As for me, I just try to increase the number of smiles. The best way to do this? I’m not sure if number one, but random acts of kindness are definitely up there.

 

-J.A.K.