If you are barely coming out the bitter hibernation period of winter, utilize the glory of Corvallis during spring to shift out of your comfort zone.

It is easy for us to get swept up in the beaming rays of sunlight and fluttering allergies that consumed us our first week.

Thoughts of creamy frozen novelties, ice cold pints of light IPAs, and reckless nights spent weaving around Monroe may seem harmless since there are no serious ties this early in the term. However, try to visualize the wake of spring as a clean slate. Detox. Realize that you only have nine weeks remaining of the academic year…are you ready to move on?

For underclassmen this may seem a bit of a reach, however, these habits may greatly affect you in the long run. If you devote your energy to senseless parties that result in you praising a porcelain god every weekend…trust me, you will not last long here.

Moderation, especially during the ruthless onslaught of work experienced during Spring Term, will help you to not only enjoy the beauty and pleasures of our small town, but be a success story come graduation.

I know the temptations out there. No night spent out wasting amazing memories you could have had is worth your attention.

Indulge yourself in ways that do not make you look like a sloppy mess. You want those around you to revere the person you are, not utterly detest the person you become once you hit the bottle. It is through these muddied experiences that leave you with a badge of shame for weeks after. Living happily with some self-restraint gives your life a rejuvenated fresh start.

As you walk from class to class let your gaze fall upon the new blooms that cover our campus with natural beauty. This image should mirror you. Do a much needed check up on yourself if everything I stated above describes you.

Ask yourself:

Am I happy?

Am I feeling healthy spiritually, physically, mentally?

Do the people I surround myself with mirror who I am and/or want to be?

Am I the “master of my fate” or is someone else swaying my actions?

If any of those questions are answered negatively, listen to your heart. Seek out help from a mentor, friend, or family member. Talk, share, or journal these unsettling feelings. Bringing those emotions into the real world will help you take those necessary steps to improving your term.

I leave you with this final food for thought:

Be the “captain of your soul.”

The opinions expressed in Lyon’s column do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Barometer Staff.