The first thing many incoming students and employers think about Carnegie Mellon, beyond the academics, rankings, and assorted statistics that apparently matter, is how depressed the students are here. For employers seeking out good employees for morale-boosting or general vibe upkeep, the archetypal Carnegie Mellon student doesn’t check those boxes. And the students? How are we going to get more cool applicants — not counting the arts program — to enroll if all that we present ourselves as is a group of sad nerds?
How do we combat this? A sprinkle of whimsy. A dash, per se.
Whimsy, as defined by the dictionary (no it’s not), refers to the joy of living: living life as a collection of moments rather than a long span of time. When each moment is lived with intentional joy, one’s life as a whole seems to look much brighter.
Studies (there are no studies) have shown that just a smattering of whimsy injected into the lives of students can change them for the better. Morale is up, personality is up, and people are drawn to those filled with whimsy.
How to accomplish this? Great question. I have lived my first semester at Carnegie Mellon basking in whimsy, and it’s quite easy.
First, try a little twirl. 4/5 scientists say that a twirl a day can reduce depression by up to 2 million percent, which seems like a pretty good percent (idk I’m not a math major). Just take a spin on the cut if the feeling strikes you, and your day’s already looking up
Then, compliment something specific. Whimsy lies not in complimenting someone’s hair or eyes, or worse yet, avoiding complimenting someone entirely. Compliment the fit, the earrings, the piercings (I am speaking especially in regards to the baristas at De Fer and La Prima Gates, at both of which I am a frequent customer), or even their aura. An aura check goes a long way, trust.
Finally, indulge in superstition. By that I do not mean for you to begin believing in superstitions, that would be rather serious. What I do mean is, why not follow the superstitions anyway? Never split the pole, just because. Pick up a lucky penny and live your day as if that luck surrounds you. Knock on wood to stop a jinx. And if you ever jinx with someone, be sure to let them know.
Above all, follow this motto I have chosen to live life by: why not? Really, why not? Unless you can give me three foolproof reasons that don’t just boil down to a fear of embarrassment, you have no reason to not live your life at Carnegie Mellon to the absolute fullest whimsical potential possible. It’s not just for the plot, for the ‘gram, or for your friend who double-dog dared you. No. Living life to its fullest with whimsy means embracing your place on this campus and in the world around you and choosing to believe in the best of people. Humanity craves whimsy, and every second you don’t roll down a hill or laugh doubly loud at a terrible joke is a chance at whimsy you’ve lost. The opportunity for whimsy that a campus college like Carnegie Mellon can provide is something that should not be scoffed at.
And for those of you who think yourself better than seeking a little whimsy in life: shame. Shame on you. I truly hope you seek happiness, and help, but while you do, keep those judgemental thoughts inside and remember the people following their inner whimsy are probably having a lot more fun than you.
Be impulsive, be full of love, and live each day searching for the whimsy.
Leave a Reply