Contrary to popular belief, there are many college students who have a predisposition that they will find their “true love” at college.  Hearing stories of their parents meeting as undergrads or friends who have found their carbon copy during their school years puts a subconscious mental strain on the college brain.

Most students mask the thought of wanting to find Mr. or Mrs. Right in front of their peers, but it can't be argued that the thought hasn't passed through almost every student’s mind. If you are a firm believer that the right person is awaiting you in school, here are some things to keep in mind when you think someone may actually show potential:

• Remember to stay true to who you are.  Pretending to be someone you aren't with hopes of impressing somebody is only masking your real personality.  You will find the right person doing the things YOU like to do.

•  Be happy with where you are presently.  If you are overwhelmed with past relationship memories, schoolwork or any other personal issues, and think focusing on making a relationship with someone will drive those feelings away, you’re wrong.  All it does is build up more emotion you don’t need.  A relationship should be an added bonus to your life, not a stress factor.

•  Everybody has flaws, including YOU.  It comes down to a matter of which flaws you can tolerate and which you cannot. Be aware of the double standard; criticism not only comes from you, but can also be directed your way.  As long as you and your significant other can compromise and accept each others' pet peeves, you'll be fine.

•  Remember the “Golden Rule” we learned as children; treat others the way you would like to be treated.  In terms of relationships, the person you want to invest your admiration in must treat you with the same respect that you entrust in them.  A strong relationship has equal dedication coming from both sides.

Keep in mind that all relationships are different, but every person deserves the best with what they are willing to offer.  As cliché as it is, listen to your heart.  If you don’t feel happiness in a department that is important to you, be strong enough to let go.  There are more opportunities out of college, don’t lose hope.  Settle for the best, not less.

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(With interjections from Katie Witherspoon)

I have always made fun of people who do yoga; it’s just in my nature.

There’s something about awkwardly posing on a rug in front of a dozen other people that simply does not appeal to me. But somehow I let Katie talk me into going to the West Quad yoga class. Maybe the idea of salvaging my horrible day or the promise of some comedic relief appealed to me, but either way, I was a little worried for the welfare of my body... and whether or not I would be able to move it the next day. 

I rolled out my yoga mat and looked at Katie doubtfully as she sat there, legs crossed, hands on her knees, trying very hard to look like she knew what she was doing. I, on the other hand, was focused on trying not to fidget. When the instructor invited us to do yoga with her, my skepticism increased further. I was a little curious—why would we be here if we didn’t want to do yoga? Regardless, I accepted her invitation with a laugh-filled “ohm,” and then... She taught us how to breathe.

Of course we had been breathing before, but we started the breathing exercises where we attempted to focus on yoga, and not the horrible day Katie and I had just had. The one filled with rain and a totally bogus awards ceremony. I’m not bitter or anything.

Slowly, but surely, we went through all the poses, and I began to stretch my body to new limits. A total relaxation came over me, and nothing from that day mattered. I was learning about my body, my balance.

Religion is not a partner event. But apparently yoga is. Either way, what the two have in common is this: it is ultimately about you, and about how you feel. Yoga is just about your body. Katie and I walked out of that yoga room different people after a day of angry karma, and we could feel the yoga in our muscles hours after we were done. It was such a spiritual experience, and I learned that Yoga is the religion of your body, and the religion of celebrating it.

If you want to try yoga:
Campus Rec.
City Yoga
Amsa Yoga