Author Archives: mdilwort

Author Archives: mdilwort

New year, new habits: How to make the best of 2025 on campus

New year, new habits: How to make the best of 2025 on campus

It’s a whole new semester and the start of a new year.  Why not take advantage of all this newness and do some new things on campus?  There’s many opportunities to engage with other students, find new places to study and take in some of the work that your fellow students and community members have done. Join a student organization There are student organizations to meet every interest.  If you’re interested in helping animals and the environment, the Animals and Earth Club meets regularly and hosts events throughout the term.  If public service is more aligned with your interests, check out the Circle K International or the Center for Service-Learning for a chance to give back to the community.  Other … Continued
The Christmas Eggnog Riot

The Christmas Eggnog Riot

In 1802, West Point Military Academy was founded, a pathetic joke of a military institution whose lax recruitment standards, negligible resources, and few teachers contributed little to the nation’s safety.  Then the War of 1812 happened, and losing the White House to the British convinced Congress that it would be prudent to train better officers and soldiers.  In 1817, Colonel Sylvanus Thayer was appointed as superintendent.  Thayer was a hero of the War of 1812 who had studied in France, and a man known for strict discipline in every sense of the word – both military and personal.  He quickly moved to change the character of the institution, and the character of the men who graduated. He created a stable four-year … Continued
Navigating Mental Health During the Holidays and Winter Season

Navigating Mental Health During the Holidays and Winter Season

The holiday season and winter months can be a challenging time for people. While this period often brings joy and celebration, it is also the coldest and darkest time of the year, and it can lead to feelings of stress, loneliness, and depression. Here are some tips to help you maintain your mental health during this time. 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions during the holidays. Whether you’re feeling homesick, overwhelmed by academic pressures, or just not in the festive spirit, acknowledging your feelings is the first step towards managing them. 2. Stay Connected Isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression. Try to stay connected with friends and family, even if it’s through … Continued
The Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice

On Saturday, December 21st at 4:19 AM, the winter solstice will usher in the season of Winter.  Along with snow, lower temperatures and less daylight, however, the winter solstice also brings wonder, traditions and atmospheric changes that have inspired and connected humans for millennia.  Take a look at some of the phenomena that accompanies the solstice. The word solstice comes from two Latin words meaning “sun stoppage” because the amount of daylight is shorter or longer than usual.  In winter, the sun is closer to the earth, a phenomenon known as perihelion, but the angle that the sun’s rays reach the earth make them less warming.  Hence, the seasons are dependent on the sun’s position relative to the earth.  The … Continued
The End (of the semester) is Nigh!

The End (of the semester) is Nigh!

As the end of the semester approaches, it’s the perfect time to gather all the research resources you need for your final projects and exams. The IU East Campus Library is here to support you with a wealth of materials, from academic journals and books to online databases and a quiet place to study. Make the most of these resources to ensure you’re well-prepared and ready to excel in your upcoming assessments. Discover the groundbreaking works of Europe’s early film pioneers, including Alice Guy-Blaché, the first female filmmaker, through the Victorians on Film database. This collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of late Victorians and Edwardians. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the United States was experiencing the Gilded Age—a … Continued