Ask Amanda

Dear Amanda,
I'm a senior. The closer I get to graduation, the more apathetic I become. How do I start to care again?
-Apathy is my middle name

Dear Apathy,
Unfortunately, the apathetic dilemma is all too common for those students about to make the big jump into Real Life. I've recently noticed its contagion spreading from seniors and into the whole student body. I know sophomores struggling to start - much less complete - short essays, juniors dropping majors like they're a disease, and first-years watching more and more reality TV while spending less and less time in the library. I've even identified the dodgy symptoms of Apatheticia creping into my own usually optimistic attitude.

So what is the cure, you ask. Although I know you will receive this in a nonchalantly uninterested manner, I encourage you to attempt my advice. I recommend a simple three-step program called Dare, Share, Care (the 3 Airs for short).

Number one: Dare. The first step on the road to recovery is risk taking. Remember the small passions you enjoyed as a child. When I was three years old I had a fascination for splashing naked outside in our dog's drinking water. At seven, I could not get enough of beating boys (who thought they were better than girls) on my coed soccer team. Late in high school, I learned to knit, which remains a passion of mine. Most recently, I designed and knitted a striped sweater for my boyfriend.

Unfortunately, it won't even fit a small child, but this is beside the point. The point is that you must find little outlets of interest. Try new activities like belly dancing or miniature golf. Take risks.

Number two: Share. Secondly, you must share your newfound passions with people. Strong relationships will support you in your apathetic time of need. As you meet new people or learn to know your friends and acquaintances on deeper levels, doors will open in multiple directions. Find a peer who's interesting and creative (like an art major) or visit someone from a different generation (VMRC). Share you time and passions with others.

Number three: Care. After practicing steps one and two, caring should come naturally. Opinions, passions, and passionate opinions should arise once you have been stimulated by new activities and people. Even if this isn't enough to motivate you to complete your homework, it will inspire you to accomplish greater things, life-sized things, or perhaps a piece of art. In seeing the bigger, more complex picture of life, you will move past this pathetic apathetic headache and emerge with energy for life. Bonne chance.