We’re taking our dear founder’s most famous quotes, and applying them to the lives of Penn women today!
Ben Franklin said: “A good conscience is a continual Christmas.”
You may be wondering why I’m offering a quote about Christmas when it’s already the beginning of March. And yes, from the look of things, the holiday sparkle from two months ago is long gone. We’re past the magical, festive part of winter, full of gift shopping and holiday get-togethers, and have decidedly entered the cold, gray (and recently alarmingly windy) part of the season. We’re caught up in tough classes, frequent midterms, and monotonous routines.
When Ben Franklin wrote this passage, it’s safe to say he wasn’t thinking about the winter slump that Penn women would face three centuries later (the guy was great, but he was no psychic!). Regardless, his words still apply. Part of what makes December such a special time is the giving spirit it inspires. It’s the time when most of us remember to help others, and to reach out to friends.
Why not keep that attitude going? Buy a ticket to support a friend’s performing arts show, even though you’d rather spend your Friday night elsewhere. Send your mom a thoughtful card, just because. Compliment the girl ahead of you in line at Starbucks on her cute skirt or hairstyle. Any simple act of kindness could easily make someone’s day, and make you feel great in the process. Keeping this in mind is a great way to beat the winter blues– for yourself and for those around you.