WhÅssup?

Journalist: Synne Louise Stromme

Autumn is well underway, and November has spread itself far beyond Ås. While I sat thinking about these words I am currently writing, my colleagues in Tuntreet were discussing the pros and cons of November. “Nobody likes November,” one of them exclaimed. Is that the case?

I know I already have focused a lot on stress, but November is actually a stressful month. UKA is now officially over, term papers shall be handed in, and exams are closing in with a thunderous speed. It is the last push before completing the whole semester, and your work shall be evaluated.

Christmas is also around the corner – yes, I know, it is quite crazy. I took a walk to the store yesterday and the only things I saw were Christmas ribs, Christmas cookies, Christmas meatballs, and Christmas soda. Those I live with at the dorms are discussing shopping for Christmas gifts, and that hit me pretty hard. It is something I actually have not had time to give as much thought to. The shift from autumn to winter is abrupt and can feel dark and heavy.

However, autumn is also beautiful. The leaves are still falling, the colors of autumn keep coming through, in the morning one can see frost on the windowpane, and it is also the time to dress up in good, big clothes that warms the body well. November is also the month for an important celebration, namely Movember: raising awareness and focusing on men’s health. Maybe you have already read about that in this issue? If not, I would like to recommend turning some pages back.

I can name a whole bunch of things I think are beautiful about November, but what I am thinking about the most right now is gratitude. Maybe you have noticed that it was what I was bringing into this text. Thursday, 24th of November, is the day of gratitude. Maybe it is not a tradition we typically celebrate in Norway, and although the exam stress is building itself up in the Ås bubble, we can perhaps show a little extra gratitude during these times.

There are many good things about November. Just like there are many good things in life. The Christmas gifts might not be purchased yet, and the syllabus is yet to be read through – but there is still time. We, hopefully, have many years awaiting, and that is also something to appreciate.

Good luck with the last push! Remember to take a break ;)