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Sept. 6, 2022
Welcome to Week 2!
It happens that quickly. The first week is gone and this week is a short one. Before
you know it, we’ll be diving into week three of the semester!
Take a quick pause for some self-reflection. Are the habits you are settling into
going to lead you to where you want to be in 13.5 weeks? Are you studying enough to
stay on top of things? Are you putting in the time? If your routine is already feeling
stressed, now is a good time to make some changes. Do you need to find a different
place to study? A different routine? Finding a place that works, a place you just
go to – even when you don’t feel like it – can lead to success. Maybe it is a table at home, a study space in the library, in
the Joseph Usibelli Engineering Building, or in Murie? A coffee shop? Next, find the
time that works to just go there. Find a place and a routine that works for you. There
is no shortcut to putting in the time. If you don’t already have it, build a habit
that works. This strategy is tried and true.Ìý
One more suggestion that I can’t resist – go outside. It is so beautiful this time of year – and so accessible. Birds are in the air, the colors are changing, the mosquitoes
are gone, the weather is mild, and for many, this is the best time of year here in
the Interior.
If you are residing on or attending the Troth Yeddha’ campus, take advantage of the
UAF Boreal Arboretum and the extensive trail network right out your backdoor. Grab a friend or a few and go for a walk. No other university
in the world has a trail system like this right out of its backdoor. As a student,
this special place is for you to enjoy and explore. The ‘T-Field’ has sandhill cranes
visiting this time of year. Smith Lake is home to migrating waterfowl of many kinds.
Every day the forest is changing. It is a good place to go with someone else and it
can be a good place to find rejuvenating solitude. Getting away from your books can
be as important as diving in.Ìý
If you are here in Fairbanks, take a moment to enjoy the changing of the season. Wherever
you are, whether in AVÀÇÂÛ̳ or Afghanistan, take a moment to step away from the computer,
engage with friends, and find a source of sustaining energy. Make this a habit for
yourself as well.Ìý
It is only fair that if I offer you unsolicited advice, you should have the opportunity
to do so as well. What would you like to hear about? How can we improve your experience?
Send your suggestions to me at obguthrie@alaska.edu.
Enjoy the rest of your second week at UAF!
— Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management
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