I found a way to get lost in the woods today and I was actually quite fine with it; it is the most enjoyable time of the year here in Oswego. I got to spend some extra time immersed in it as I frantically tried to find the main trail to make it back to my car in time to make my 3 p.m. radio show. 

This is a powerful metaphor to me and an important one for students here at SUNY Oswego to consider during their time at the university this fall. Enjoy the moments given to you despite the stress that you will have to endure. Finding a balance between the two will make the difference between an enjoyable semester and a wasted one. You only get eight semesters here, there is no reason to waste one. 

Back to the woods, I was crossing over a muddy patch and thought about some of the metaphorical mud that I have had to overcome here at SUNY Oswego in order to make each semester enjoyable. The first thought that came to mind was the fall semester of 2020, the semester that was weighed down by COVID-19 the most.  

I had to make the most of nature here in Oswego in order to make the fall semester worthwhile without the usual social atmosphere that comes with the community or the many sporting events that I usually would frequent on the weekends. I was not afraid to get lost a bit. I spent weekend afternoons fishing the Oswego and Salmon Rivers. I also would go to Fair Haven State Park to see the sunset and try to catch largemouth bass that creep out of Lake Ontario. The sunset did not disappear with COVID-19, so I tried to chase after as many as I possibly could.  

I also think of the first semester that I was introduced to live sports coverage and sports writing here. That was fall of 2019 and I was able to finally cover the sports that had peaked my interest my freshmen year. Suddenly, enjoyment of Friday and Saturday evenings were spent in the Marano Campus Center with a pair of gray slacks and a colorful tie. I had to find a balance between the stress and enjoyment of it. The smile on my face when I walked to my car in four degree weather and a swift snowfall accumulating on the ground was all I needed to know I was enjoying my time. 

So, students, find what can make this semester the best it can be for you. Join a new club, text someone you would not have before or watch the sunset creep towards the lake during the evening. Find the one spot that is yours and you are suddenly mentally centered at everytime you step foot on it. Freshman year, I used to go to the observatory lounge of the Shineman building on campus to do work while I watched the waves of the lake. Whenever I was there, I had focus. 

Find out what mug night at The Ferris Wheel is all about or discover what the flavor of the week is for ice cream at Byrne Dairy. That is my challenge for you. I just had to get lost in the woods again to realize what my advice would be this week. Be willing to find your spot during this beautiful fall weather.