QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Anne of Green Gables, L. M. Montgomery wrote, “Next to trying and winning, the best thing is trying and failing.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats, and welcome back! As we approach the end of the semester, with assignments and exams piling up, there will be more and more opportunities to succeed and to fail. With the foreboding pressure of failing, it’s easy to feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and even like you should just call it quits and do the bare minimum.

But if you don’t try, you almost certainly won’t succeed. So, while still being mindful of your mental health, try your best in these last few weeks of the semester, especially in the classes and areas that are the most important to you and your future. And regardless of the outcome, be proud of yourself and your hard work.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, November 27

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Multifaith Prayer Room, St. Rita’s Hall | Virtual Option | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, & Staff

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

Tuesday, November 28

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

A New Chapter: Women Writing Northern Ireland Now | 6 p.m. | Topper Theater, John and Joan Mullen Performing Arts Center | Free & Open to the Public | RSVP Here

Wednesday, November 29

Panel Discussion on Dana Lloyd’s Land is Kin: Sovereignty, Religious Freedom, and Indigenous Sacred Sites | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to the Public | Light Refreshments Served

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

Philosophy and Film Series on “Creativity and Madness”: Stanley Tucci’s The Final Portrait (2017) | 5:30 p.m. | Room 415 | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to Villanova Community | Light Refreshments Served

Thursday, November 30

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

Sunday, December 3

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

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Today, Nov. 27, is National Brand Day. Brands aren’t simply a group of products made by the same company. Brands are an opportunity to support a company with the same values and beliefs as you. Whether you’re in the mood for some retail therapy or are doing some holiday shopping, you can celebrate by buying from a brand that you believe in. If you’re an entrepreneur, this is a great opportunity to celebrate your own brand.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Tomorrow, Nov. 28, is Giving Tuesday, or the National Day of Giving. Celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this day is dedicated to the “giving” part of the holiday. To celebrate, you can give money to an important cause, volunteer your time to a local charity, or even donate blood. As Falvey graduate assistant Rebecca discussed in her blog, we are experiencing a blood shortage, and there are currently still spots open to donate at Villanova on both Nov. 27 and Nov. 30.

In the mood for some seasonal sweets? National Peppermint Bark Day is this Friday, Dec. 1. Peppermint bark combines the ultimate winter flavors: mint and chocolate. If you want to get into the holiday spirit, enjoy some peppermint bark.

Got a tight budget this holiday season? Sunday, Dec. 3, is National Make a Gift Day. Although everyone is different, I am of the opinion that homemade gifts are a great way to show your appreciation and tailor the gift to whom you’re giving it. So, if you’re feeling crafty, get out your crochet hooks, markers, recipes, and any other supplies you have and make a homemade gift for someone you love.

Annie Stockmal is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library.