Evelyn Waugh

Physics Major

RULE NUMBER ONE: DON’T PANIC

Know that you are a like a star. Not a star in the vain sense, or one that is stuck in an everlasting orbit. Truly a star: a thermonuclear ball supported by its own gravity, six hundred million kelvin bright, thermonuclear, iron fusing ball of purpose.

You may find yourself at a community college by the beach. Here, is an institution with such a diverse student body. Some people come here as adult commuters with homes and children and lives. Others come as teenagers. I was a ripe 16 year old, desperate for some sense of purpose.

In a universe without boundaries, centers, edges, you’re going to have to create your own sense of space. As you fumble from solar system to solar system, find a way to foster a sense of community. Make order of the chaos.

The Liberal Arts is named because of the prerequisite liberation necessary to study. In our spot on the space-time continuum, many have the privilege of a more figurative need for liberation: breaking self-imposed shackles, opening and freeing our own minds.

Being an undecided liberal arts student has its benefits. Without a solid goal, you can accidentally stumble upon your passions. Last semester, I was given the opportunity to work with a group of science advocates to rebirth the Astronomy Club, better known as the SMCC Association of Cosmic Explorers.

This band of space cadets did many noteworthy things over the year, including ionospheric research, community star parties, sci-fi nights, and a Boston trip.

I, like Ford Prefect, the reporter who writes the entry on Earth in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, am traversing this local cosmos to work at the USM South-
worth Planetarium, a new home away from home. A star leaving its cluster. These opportunities were birthed out of taking an  astronomy course and falling in love with it.

Always take the random class that feels right, even if not necessary for your degree. Hold the things that are dear to you close to your heart, and burn brightly for them. If you love art, shine like Sirius, the Dog Star, the brightest star in Earth’s night sky. If you love to write,  light yourself on fire like a meteor entering the atmosphere of its subject. If you love mathematics, run bright like Deep Thought, the supercomputer from HGTTG, programmed to calculate the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything. Never apologize for your interests. Have passion, like the living breathing star stuff that you are.

Andromeda has set, the semester is over in a few days. At the same time, a million suns are rising. The temporariness of life is staggering. College students are here to leave. These stars must make like planets, and wander.

Let your curiosity know no bounds. Become more yourself everyday, change a million times, shed your layers. Write your own stellar timeline. Go nova when you get the chance. Patent your insanity, and drink plenty of water.