QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Finding Nemo, Dory said, “When life gets you down, do you wanna know what you’ve gotta do? Just keep swimming.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! I hope you’re enjoying a relaxing, stress-free Easter Break! With only about a month left in the semester, we’re in the home stretch now. You only have to get through a few more weeks before exams are over and Summer Break begins (or, if you’re graduating this Spring, before you walk across that stage).

At the risk of using a quote that reignites an inescapable earworm that may have followed you through life since 2003, even as the semester gets more difficult and stressful, just keep swimming.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Tuesday, April 11

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

Wednesday, April 12

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

Thursday, April 13

Scholarship@Villanova: Alessandra Seggi, PhD, on “Youth and Suicide in American Cinema: All the Silence We Don’t Talk About” | 4 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public

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

Friday, April 14

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

Sunday, April 16

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

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Photo by Ajda ATZ on Unsplash

Today, Apr. 10, is National Siblings Day, a day to appreciate (or lovingly bully) your siblings, by blood, law, or choice. And if you don’t have any siblings, Wednesday, Apr. 12 is your day to shine, as it’s National Only Child Day.

Wednesday, Apr. 12, is D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) Day. Although I probably wouldn’t recommend actually dropping everything, it’s a great opportunity to curl up somewhere cozy and crack open a good book. If you’re out of books on your list, you are always welcome to stop by Falvey and browse the stacks.

Saturday, Apr. 15 is World Art Day, a day to let your inner art-lover run wild and appreciate the art around you. If you’re feeling especially festive, you can make some art of your own. If you’re looking for a fun weekend activity, stop by an art gallery. If you’re looking to spend the day off-campus, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is always worth visiting. If you’re looking for something more local, Villanova’s on-campus gallery is a great way to see some art from artists in our own community, or you can take an art class (perhaps one with wine, if you’re of-age) with some friends. If you’re into (slightly) more modern art forms that are more than simply visual, Saturday is, fittingly, also Anime Day.

In a charitable mood? Sunday, Apr. 16, is Good Deeds Day, a day to do something good for someone else (without the intention of recognition). Whether its donating your time or money to a good cause, doing something kind for someone who needs some help, or even picking up some trash on your way to class, put some positive energy into the world by doing a good deed.

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

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Pocahontas, Grandmother Willow said, “Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! The second half of the semester is never easy, with our time being filled up exams, papers, and projects. It inarguably is easier to do the bare minimum to get through the rest of the semester, but often, the easiest path is not the best path.

My advice: Take the right path. You might be tired and burnt out, and that’s understandable (some might even say inevitable). Use the upcoming break to relax and recharge. Then, as you return, try your best to finish out the semester strong, whether it’s with academics, athletics, work, or something else that gives your life meaning and you aspire to succeed in. Not everyone’s path looks the same, but giving it your best shot applies to every path.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, April 3

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, April 4

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

Wednesday, April 5

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

Happy Easter Break! Check back next week for more awesome Falvey Library events and exhibits!

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

As you likely know, Easter is coming up this Sunday, Apr. 9, (even if you don’t celebrate Easter, a break is a break), but here are some other holidays you could be celebrating this week:

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Today, Apr. 3, is National Film Score Day, a day dedicated to listening to and appreciating your favorite movie scores and their composers. Despite the accolades of some of the household names of film scores, including John Williams and Hans Zimmer, scores sometimes don’t quite get the attention they deserve. A good score can completely change the tone of a film. My personal favorite film scores as of late are the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever score and (although it’s technically not a film) the entire Avatar: The Last Airbender score.

Feeling like a good Samaritan? Today is also National Inspiring Joy Day. Take this as an opportunity to do something to make someone happy, whether it’s someone close to you or a complete stranger. And, of course, don’t forget about bringing some joy into your own day.

Wednesday, Apr. 5, is Peeps Day. Peeps, for anyone who hasn’t had the pleasure of trying this somewhat divisive treat, are colorful sugar-covered marshmallows vaguely made to look like chicks. They are probably one of the most artificial-feeling candies on the market, but they are an absolute Easter staple. To celebrate, snack on some Peeps, and check out our Curious Cat blog installment where we asked some brave Falvey patrons to guess this mystery Peep flavor.

In addition to being the first day of Easter break, Thursday, Apr. 6, is National Burrito Day. Whether your go-to burrito is from a local, authentic spot or an Americanized chain, like Chipotle or Taco Bell, enjoy a burrito and enjoy your break.

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

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Atonement, Ian McEwan wrote, “Nothing that can be, can come between me and the full prospect of my hopes.”

As we make our way further into the second-half of the semester, often a time of high stress and high expectations, it might be hard to keep high hopes and be in bright spirits. Yet, sometimes, our own attitude can become our own downfall.

Over the coming weeks, try to find a way to bring some positive energy into your life. Positive affirmations are one such way to do this. It may not solve all your problems, but the mind is a powerful thing. So, take this affirmation and let nothing come between you and your goals.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, March 27

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, March 28

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

Wednesday, March 29

“A Womanist Path to Ending White Christian America” Featuring Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart | 12-1:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Livestream Available Here| Free & Open to the Public | Light Refreshments Served

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

Thursday, March 30

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

2023 Literary Festival Event: Donika Kelly | 7 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Livestream Available Here | Free & Open to the Public | Light Refreshments Served

Friday, March 31

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

Sunday, April 2

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

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Photo by Krisztina Papp on Unsplash

As you may know, April Fools’ Day is coming up this week, but here are some other upcoming holidays you can celebrate:

For any thespians and theater-appreciators, today, March 27, is World Theatre Day, a day to celebrate the theatrical arts. Although you might have some trouble finding a live theatrical performance on a Monday, there are still boundless ways to celebrate the holiday. Embrace your inner theater kid by listening to your favorite Broadway soundtrack, find a show that’s currently streaming, watch a movie adaptation, or read a play in print. Not sure where to start? Check out this guide for where to watch your favorite plays and play-adaptations.

Thursday, March, 30, is Take a Walk in the Park Day, the perfect opportunity to take some time out of your day to move your body and enjoy the outdoors (assuming the weather isn’t absolutely unenjoyable). Whether you find yourself walking along one of the greens on campus, walking through a local park, or even a hiking spot, take a walk and relieve some stress.

Saturday, Apr. 1, is April Fools’ Day, a prank-filled holiday that might just make you question just how much you trust those around you, in a (mostly) lighthearted way. Not a fan of pranks? Saturday, Apr. 1, is also National Fun Day. So, seize the weekend and do something fun. Even a few minutes of fun can be a surprisingly powerful stress-buster.

Sunday, Apr. 2, is International Fact-Checking Day. Although it might not be the most fun holiday to celebrate, fact-checking (and general media literacy) is extremely important, especially as students living in a highly digital environment, and Falvey is a great resource at your disposal. Check out our online guide of evaluating content online, including some great fact-checking tools. For more, read through Mike Caulfield’s Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers, available online through Falvey.

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

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Dumbledore said, “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”

In life, no matter where you started from or where you’re at, there’s always room to grow. Self-improvement, although sometimes challenging and laborious, can be a fulfilling and worthwhile endeavor. And it’s never too late to start.

As you progress through the semester, remember that it doesn’t always matter how you started, it matters how you finish. There is always time to improve, whether it’s developing better study habits or perfecting your self-care routine. Grow something sustainable and beautiful.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, March 20

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

Shadow of a Taxman: Who Funded The Irish Revolution (1919-21)? | 4-5:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public | Light Refreshments Served

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

Tuesday, March 21

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

Wednesday, March 22

Spring 2023 Falvey Forum Workshop: Intro to Transkribus | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to the Villanova Community | Register Here

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

Thursday, March 23

Interfaith Human Library: Where Books Talk and We All Learn about Life in a Multi-Faith World | 4-5:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, & Staff | Light Refreshments Served | Register Here

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

Friday, March 24

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

Sunday, March 26

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

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Photo by Yoksel 🌿 Zok on Unsplash

Today, March 20, is the Spring Equinox, or the first official day of spring. Fittingly, International Day of Happiness is also celebrated today. Take some time to do something that makes you happy today, especially if that something involves spending some time outside (even if the weather isn’t quite the sunny, mid-70s spring day we’re hoping for). And, if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, you can swing by Rita’s and take advantage of their annual free water ice celebration.

Tomorrow, March 21, is World Poetry Day, a day for appreciating the art and craft of poetry. If you’re the creative-type, you can celebrate by trying your hand at poetry, whether it’s writing a poem about something that inspires you or reciting a piece at a  poetry event. If you’re more of a reader, Falvey has a vast collection of poetry to tickle your fancy, from classics like Poe’s The Raven (which has an amazing narration from the late Christopher Lee here) to more recent staples, such as Milk and Honey. Still looking for more? You’re welcome to attend our 2023 Literary Festival Event featuring poet Donika Kelly next week on March 30.

Feeling bogged down by the pressures of the semester? Give yourself a break from the seriousness by celebrating International Goof-Off Day on Wednesday, March 22. While goofing off certainly won’t solve all your problems, letting some silliness into your day can help relieve anxiety and bring levity during times of stress.

In the mood for some greasy, delicious food? This Friday, March 24, is National Cheesesteak Day. Whether you prefer your cheesesteaks from one of the (tourist) famous chains or from a local mom-and-pop shop, Philly natives and newcomers alike can enjoy this Philadelphia delicacy in celebration of this holiday.

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

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In The Lion King, Rafiki said, “Oh, yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! Did you make any mistakes or fall into any bad habits this semester? Whether it’s procrastination, a bad sleep schedule, social isolation, or poor study habits, it can be hard to keep up with everything (especially when winter break goes by so fast).

But, there’s always time to improve. We can learn from our mistakes and make positive changes in our lives. The past can hurt, but our futures are always being rewritten. So, take the rest of the semester to make an achievable goal for yourself. By the end of the semester, you’ll thank yourself.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, March 13

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, March 14

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

Wednesday, March 15

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

Thursday, March 16

Spring 2023 Digital Seeds Lecture: Tyechia Thompson, PhD, and Carli Smith on “Baldwin’s Paris 2.0” | 4 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to the Public | Register Here

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

2023 Literary Festival Event: Tsering Yangzom Lama Talk & Reading | 7 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public

Friday, March 17

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

Sunday, March 19

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

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

As many of you likely know, this Friday, Mar. 17, is St. Patrick’s Day, but here are some other fun holidays you can be celebrating:

Photo by Adrian Swancar on Unsplash

Today, Mar. 13, is National Napping Day. For those who love naps, today is the perfect excuse to get in a couple extra hours and give yourself an energy boost (and hopefully sleep off any post-spring break malaise).

Do you love math (or fruit-filled pastries)? Tomorrow, Mar. 14, is National Pi Day. Always celebrated on (3/14), Pi Day is a day that celebrates the mathematical constant pi (3.14…). If you like goofy challenges (or are in-need of a pointless task to procrastinate with), try to see how many digits of pi you can memorize. Or you can just celebrate with a slice of your favorite pie.

Prefer salty treats? National Potato Chip Day is also celebrated tomorrow. If you’re craving a salty snack, grab a bag of your favorite chips (I’m a Sour Cream and Onion person, myself) or try a new flavor (the options are practically endless).

Sunday, Mar. 19 is Let’s Laugh Day. As we move into the second-half of the semester, workloads and stress levels are bound to increase. Take a moment on Sunday to laugh a little (and, if you’re feeling charitable, make someone else laugh). Even the smallest of laughs could brighten someone’s day and make you feel better.

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

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Memoirs of a Geisha, Arthur Golden wrote, “Adversity is like a strong wind. It…tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that afterward we see ourselves as we really are, and not merely as we might like to be.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! Although I don’t know if I would consider midterms “adversity,” they are a time of great stress and exhaustion for many of us, and enduring times of stress and turmoil has the potential to reveal our inner strengths and resilience, even if they’re not what we might expect.

We at Falvey hope you have a manageable and successful midterm week and a restful (and fun) Spring Break.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, February 27

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 28

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

Wednesday, March 1

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

Thursday, March 2

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

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Start midterms off the right way by celebrating The Big Breakfast Day today, Feb. 27. No matter what your go-to breakfast food is, don’t skip out on the most important meal of the day today (especially if you’re fueling up for your midterms with caffeine).

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Midterms got you feeling stressed? Celebrate World Music Therapy Day this Wednesday, Mar. 1. Whether you need some chill indie music to relax, some lo-fi beats to focus, or to scream-sing along to your favorite songs in the car, take a moment to listen to some music and de-stress. Your body (and perhaps even your grades) will thank you.

More of a book person? Thursday, Mar. 2, is National Read Across America Day, a day dedicated to reading. Although the holiday has ties to Dr. Seuss, for those who find joy in reading, today is a day to celebrate all reading-for-pleasure. So, crack open a book and take some time to escape the stress of midterms. (And if you don’t have a book on-hand, Falvey has endless options for you to choose from).

After a long week of midterms, National Day of Unplugging, celebrated this Friday, Mar. 3, is a great opportunity to take a break from the screens (as great as they are). If you have time in your schedule, take a walk, grab coffee with a friend, take a nap, or read a book, whatever helps you decompress and recharge (without a blue-light device).

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

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. 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde wrote, “You are a wonderful creation. You know more than you think you know, just as you know less than you want to know.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! This week is all about spreading love and kindness, and thus, I thought it was fitting to choose a quote that could help do just that, whether you use it as a positive affirmation for yourself or a different perspective in understanding the people around you.

My message: You are all wonderful. When we get wrapped up in our busy, stressful worlds, we sometimes lose perspective of just how far we’ve come, how much we’ve accomplished or overcome, and just how much we’ve grown (and will, hopefully, continue to grow). Take a minute to bask in the wonder of living, even if it sometimes (a lot of the time) isn’t as easy as we’d like it to be.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, February 13

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 14

Love Data Week 2023: Falling in Love with Data | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to the Villanova Community | Register Here

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

Wednesday, February 15

Love Data Week 2023: Present Real-Time Analytics with ARCGIS Dashboards | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to the Villanova Community | Register Here

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

Thursday, February 16

Love Data Week 2023: Introduction to Data Visualization | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to the Villanova Community | Register Here

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

Friday, February 17

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

Sunday, February 19

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

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

As you likely know, Valentine’s Day is this Tuesday, Feb. 14, but here are some other holidays worth celebrating this week:

Photo by Ditto Bowo on Unsplash

Not feeling in the Valentine’s spirit? Today, Feb. 13, is Self-Love Day, a day for you to practice self-love and by extension, self-care. Take some time for yourself today, whether you read a book, do a face-mask, or go for a walk. And, if you want to celebrate the platonic relationships in your life, today is also Galentine’s Day, a day (made popular by Leslie Knope from Parks and Rec), dedicated to celebrating female friendships (although, I think friendships of any gender will suffice).

In addition to Valentine’s Day, International Book Giving Day is also celebrated this Tuesday, Feb. 14. Now, I’m not knocking flowers and chocolate, but what’s more in the spirit of Valentine’s Day than sharing a book with someone? Whether it’s your favorite book, a book that you never got around to reading, or a brand new book (if you’re feeling fancy), gift a book.

Friday, Feb. 17, is Random Acts of Kindness Day. If you’re in the giving mood, try to do something kind for someone else. Whether you pay it forward in a drive-thru, write a positive note for someone struggling, or even holding the door open for someone who needs it, you can make a small but meaningful difference in someone’s life today.

Sunday, Feb. 19, is National Chocolate Mint Day, a day to celebrate this surprisingly somewhat controversial flavor combination. If you’re one of the supporters, celebrate with some mint chocolate treats. The options are plentiful: mint chocolate chip ice cream, York Peppermint Patties, Thin Mints, or some peppermint hot cocoa.

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

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Infinite Jest, David Foster Wallace said, “You will become way less concerned with what other people think of you when you realize how seldom they do.”

We, as social creatures, have a tendency to worry about what other people think of us, whether you want to be perceived as nice, cool, funny, or smart. When we do something that doesn’t meet our own standards, whatever they may be, we can worry what people are thinking of us.

But the overthinking isn’t worth it. The embarrassing moments that you replay in your mind at night barely cross other people’s minds, and, if for some reason they do, I promise you they are judging you far kinder than your own internal monologue. Caring about others is a good trait to have but learning to place less emphasis on what others think of you is a great lesson.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, February 6

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 7

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

Wednesday, February 8

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

Thursday, February 9

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

Friday, February 10

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

Sunday, February 12

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

Be sure to check out the awesome events happening on campus this week for Black History Month, and stay tuned for more information on Falvey’s postponed Black History Month event, “The End of White Christian America: Faith Apart from Anti-Blackness.”  

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Today, Feb. 6, is National Frozen Yogurt Day. If you don’t feel like letting the cold weather hold you back, celebrate with some fro-yo. Although I may be a bit biased, as my best friend worked there for a while, Kiwi Yogurt is a great place to try. Their Funfetti Cupcake flavor (with some chocolate syrup and Oreo pieces) is amazing.

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

For anyone in the mood for a nice warm drink to stave off the cold (or fans of caffeine in any form), National Latte Day is this Saturday, Feb. 11. Whether your favorite latte is an (iced or hot) chai, matcha, pumpkin spice, or vanilla, grab yourself a latte to celebrate. And, as always, if you’re in Falvey, swing by Holy Grounds for a convenient option.

This Saturday is also Global Movie Day. You can celebrate this holiday by watching a movie, any movie. As someone perhaps a little too obsessed with movies, this holiday is just another perfect excuse to go to the movie theater. In lieu of seeing Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which doesn’t hit theaters until Feb. 17, I might go to see Knock at the Cabin or (if my aforementioned best friend chooses) BTS: Yet to Come in Cinemas.

As I’m sure many of you know, this Sunday, Feb. 12, is Super Bowl Sunday, and this year, Philly will compete against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Go, Birds!) Need the perfect game day snack? Sunday is also Super Chicken Wing Day. So, pick up your go-to wings and enjoy the game (or the commercials).

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

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In The Imitation Game, Christopher Morcom, played by Jack Bannon, said, “Sometimes it’s the very people who no one imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! Some people tend to think of themselves as being ordinary, something that is both a moderate blessing and an irksome curse. Sometimes, we drift into the above average or below average ranges, but it averages out to being ordinary, which can get in the way of our big dreams.

But, sometimes, it’s the most ordinary of people, those that are relatively unsuspecting, who do the things that others never thought to do. So, even if you feel like you’re the most average person on the face of this planet, dream big. You never know what you might accomplish.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, January 30

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, January 31

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

Wednesday, February 1

Postponed: The End of White Christian America: Faith Apart from Anti-Blackness – Part 1 | 12-1 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Livestream Available Here | Free & Open to the Public

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

Thursday, February 2

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

Friday, February 3

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

Sunday, February 5

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

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Photo by Christopher Le on Unsplash

For anyone with a semi-sweet tooth, National Dark Chocolate Day is this Wednesday, Feb. 1. Celebrate the holiday with some of your favorite dark chocolate treats. My personal favorite is the Ghirardelli 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate bar because it’s bittersweet with a hint of cherry. Or, if you’re in the mood for something to warm you up, Swiss Miss’s Dark Chocolate hot cocoa hits the spot.

Wednesday is also Change Your Password Day. Although it’s definitely not the most fun holiday out there, it’s certainly a helpful one. Even if we hate the change in our routine, it’s always good to change up your passwords every so often. It keeps you and your data safer.

For any avian fans, Friday, Feb. 3, is Feed the Birds Day. You can celebrate this holiday by putting out some black oil sunflower seed or peanuts for your local birds. (You can find a list of things that are safe or unsafe for birds here). Interested in the world of suburban birds? I would highly recommend Welcome to Subirdia by John Marzluff, available online through Falvey.

Saturday, Feb. 4, is Sweater Day. Whether or not the all-knowing groundhog on Groundhog Day, which is Thursday, Feb. 2, predicts a long, cold winter or the beginnings of spring, it’s bound to be chilly on Saturday. So, to celebrate this holiday, cozy up in a warm sweater.

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