QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Dead Poet’s Society, John Keating, played by Robin Williams, said, “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your life extraordinary.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! With midterms around the corner, the semester is officially in full swing. Midterms are never an enjoyable time of the year, but with midterms comes Spring Break, the ten days we dream about.

So, as you move through the week, I encourage you to muster up any of the beginning-of-the-semester energy and confidence you have left and make this week count. Seize the day and make your life extraordinary (or at least set yourself up for a well-executed week of midterms and a stress-free Spring Break).

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, February 20

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, February 21

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, February 22

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Thursday, February 23

2023 Literary Festival Event: Mary O’Donoghue | 7 p.m. | President’s Lounge, Connelly Center | Free & Open to the Public

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Friday, February 24

Villanova Gaming Society Meeting | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public

Three Minute Thesis Competition | 3-6 p.m. | Topper Theatre, John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts | Free & Open to the Public

Sunday, February 26

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 3-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Today, Feb. 20, is National Comfy Day, the perfect excuse to wear some comfy clothes on this somewhat chilly day.

Photo by Thirdman from Pexels

If you’re a fan of carby treats (and parties), Mardi Gras, celebrated Tuesday, Feb. 21 this year, might be the holiday for you. A holiday of many names, Mardi Gras is also known as Fasnacht Day, Fat Tuesday, and Shrove Tuesday. In the U.S., the holiday is celebrated with doughnuts, colorful beads, and parties. Since pancakes are another food traditionally eaten at Mardi Gras, Tuesday is fittingly also National Pancake Day. You can take advantage of this holiday at IHOP.

Confidence is key, but Be Humble Day, celebrated this Wednesday, Feb. 22, reminds us that humility is important too. Take this day to find a healthy balance between confidence and humility (or listen to “Be Humble” by Kendrick Lamar).

If you’re a fan of this somewhat divisive candy, Tootsie Roll Day is Thursday, Feb. 23. Tootsie rolls are a candy like no other (and you can decide if that’s a good or a bad thing). Personally, as a Tootsie Roll stan, I am looking forward to celebrating these chocolate-adjacent, taffy-like sweets.

Serving as inspiration for the quote of this week, this Sunday, Feb. 26, is Carpe Diem Day. If you’re in high hopes (or live by “fake it until you make it”), seize the day on Sunday, whether that’s getting ahead on work, crossing off some things on your to-do list, or doing your best to make the day as good as it can be.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library.