During the course of a semester, it is easy to become dissatisfied with things that could hardly matter outside our well-protected community. It is easy to lose touch with the fact that being at Notre Dame is what many students dream about and that being a part of this community represents opportunities and a certain fortuity 99 percent of this globe's population will never experience.

Yet, it is hard to stop worrying about things that later turn out to be inconsequential as long as one does not realize their inconsequentiality. As an excellent antidote to worrying — an antidote that happens to have wonderful side effects — let me suggest some service and experiential learning activities. If you went to activities night, you would have seen the vast array of service organizations on campus. If you walk by the Center for Social Concerns, you can pick up a flyer about an equally remarkable range of seminars across the United States and other countries during break.

Participating in such opportunities can raise awareness of issues such as poverty, education or politics, put you in touch with fascinating people (both fellow students and the people on your way) and remarkably broaden your horizon. Experiencing the complex and difficult issues other people face daily can help put one's own life in perspective. Perhaps only in recognizing our own comfort can we cease to worry about inconsequential things and learn to appreciate each day.

Side benefits? Economically, the cost of participating is small or negligible, plus, you might receive academic credit. Geographically and culturally, the seminars present opportunities to explore areas that otherwise might lie outside one's traditional environment. Psychologically and spiritually, helping others is foundational in most religious teaching and is what ultimately also helps oneself. Even very little help or just an open ear can bring enriching happiness to others. The return is personal happiness, increased satisfaction and more energy for classes and everyday life. Make the most of your breaks, both the little breaks in between and after classes, and the cherished one-week or several week breaks.

Michael Wolz

law student

Fischer Graduate Residence

Sept. 7

• Police action leads to brutality
  
• American flag proclaims freedom and diversity
  
• I wish they all could be Notre Dame girls
  
• Appreciate life through service
  
• Quote of the Day
  
• Standing in a teacher's shoes