As semester two of my third year of university rolls around I can’t help but feel overwhelmed. These next four months are the last attempt I have to give my all and try to gain the best classification I can. I don’t know if I am excited and motivated, or too nervous to move! I think it’s the unknown that scares me the most, all the work I will be putting in and I won’t know if its paid off until results day…oh my goodness, I’m scaring myself.
Luckily, I know that I am not alone – every other third year is probably feeling the same way and conveniently January 21 was National Hugging Day. I think at this time of the uni year it gets quite tough no matter what year you’re in, you’ve had quite a few weeks off for Christmas, you’re still in holiday mode but you’ve also got a million and one things to do. Sometimes a hug is all you need as a reminder to just calm down and power through!
National Hugging Day is an annual event which began in 1986 and was created by Kevin Zaborney in Clio, Michigan, USA however, the event is celebrated in other countries. I don’t know if the day is actively celebrated in the UK but I just think it’s nice to have a moment that encourages everyone to hug family and friends more often. Now, this doesn’t mean you only have to hug people on January 21! It’s just a day to remind us that something as simple as a hug can make you feel so much better at times.
Zaborney thoughtfully chose January 21 because it falls in between Christmas and New Year’s and Valentines Day which is a time where people’s spirts are generally quite low. He also hoped that a day such as this would change the way people feel about showing feelings in public. I find some people find it embarrassing to show feelings in public but I see no shame in it. It warms the cockles of the heart to receive a warm welcoming hug in a time of need wherever you are and whoever you’re with.
I just hope this semester will be productive and prosperous for everyone with as little stress as possible. I will do anything I can to ensure that happens for me!
Good luck everyone!
Emilia x
Emilia At UCB 