Snowy scene outside of the Hickey Dining Hall
Photo courtesy of Madison Moeller
BY CHRIS DOODY, NEWS EDITOR
St. Bonaventure University has faced a cold winter so far, with most days reaching temperatures feeling below zero.
“Here in Dismal Valley, the near-continuous overcast drags everybody’s energy down,” said Patrick Vecchio, adjunct instructor in the Jandoli School of Communications. “However, I suspect students who come from places where it’s not cloudy as much as it is here might have a worse than usual case of midwinter blues.”
Some professors said they have noticed a shift in attitude within the classroom, affecting performances in class activities.
“I have noticed a motivational lacking in classes,” said Anna Bulszewicz, a lecturer in the Jandoli School of Communication.
This lack of motivation is causing some students to not interact in class discussions.
“I’ll ask my students ‘how are you’ and no one answers,” said Bulszewicz. “So I’ll ask again and they still don’t answer, it is wild to me that we are so unmotivated that our social graces are suffering.”
Some students and professors are experiencing a lack of morale.
“Student morale has been just as gloomy as has the faculty’s due to this awful weather,” said Jeffery Allen, Assistant Professor of Public Health and Health Science.
Some students seem to be struggling through their days, almost on autopilot, said Bulszewicz.
“It feels like one of those semesters where we are in sort of like zombie mode,” said Bulszewicz.
Some professors have made their classes more engaging to combat the colder weather and seasonal depression.
“We are all adding more in-class activities to keep everyone engaged during this gloomy time,” said Allen.
Bulszewicz said it is important if you are not feeling yourself to talk to somebody in the counseling center or reach out to friends and family.
“Become self-aware, decide if you should go to a counselor and ask if you may be suffering from seasonal depression,” said Bulszewicz.
The United States government has issued an epidemic notice reflecting the attitude and mental state adjustment affecting groups of all ages and all socioeconomic backgrounds.
“We’re in an epidemic of isolation and loneliness, according to the previous US Surgeon General,” said Bulszewicz.
According to the former US Surgeon General the epidemic of isolation and loneliness is based on years of research, but there are a few simple things people can do to help avoid this.
“Answer that phone call from a friend,” said Vivek H. Murthy, 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States in a 2023 advisory notice. “Listen without the distraction of your phone. Perform an act of service.”
Murthy said, it is just that simple to make a difference and help a friend.
“The keys to human connection are simple, but extraordinarily powerful,” said Murthy.
On campus, students can go to the Student Wellbeing Patient Portal or call 716-375-2310 and dial 1 to schedule an appointment with a counselor.
doodycd24@bonaventure.edu
