I read an interesting article in the NCSU paper last week. It pointed out how students are crazy to miss out on all the free stuff that is available to them. Sure there is free food at events, but that is not the important thing. Many departments offer weekly seminars or colloquiums. This is a free lecture from visiting professors about research going on. There are also many special guests to the university that offer lectures. Plays are always going on. Music is everywhere. It is there for the taking. It is free. It reminds me of my trip to Germany in the mid 90’s. I visited a relative who lived on a US army base. They commented on how many soldiers came for their two year tour and never left the base. They were in the heart of Germany and never left their base! I could not believe that. But I am seeing it now. Many students come to college and never take in any of the free things available to them. They come for the classes and that is it. There is so much more! But you know, it is not only for the college students. Much of these talks and presentations are open to the public. You just have to look for them. Even if you don’t have a college in your town, there are local events at schools. My kid had his 4th grade play this week. They presented ‘The Emperors New Clothes’. It was a musical and twisted so the kids could wear any costume they wanted. It was great and I’m not just saying that because my kid was in it.

Go see a play. Go see a concert. Go take a hike. Go take a picture!