Maria Kimble, Contributing Writer

West Liberty is a small campus where everyone knows each person on some sort of level. Some would say that a life on the Hilltop is very predictable and boring. Though our campus is not quite as outrageous as others, Hilltoppers still experience random moments of panic and even become overwhelmed with certain situations. Here are some tips on what to do when the unexpected occurs.

The first thing anyone should do is calm down. Sometimes the unexpected includes a variety of situations. It could be as dangerous as your friend getting hurt at a party or as miniscule as losing your Topper I.D. This is a tip that can work for all unexpected situations. The last thing you want to do is panic, considering that it doesn’t accomplish anything. You don’t want to waste any time when calling the ambulance or being late for class, while stressing out about your I.D. Time always moves forward so it is best to just relax and think about your next move.

When unexpected situations happen, whether they are good are bad, the best thing to do is to stay positive like WLU student, Sandra Davis. “If everything in life happened the way we planned it, it wouldn’t be any fun. It’s a glass half full vs. a glass half empty mentality. You need to always think of the glass half full,” said Junior, Sandra Davis. It’s easy to fall into negativity and to believe that the worst is going to happen. Keep your head high and look forward to your end goal. Maybe you totally bombed a test that you stayed up all night studying for. 

This is not the end of the world. Keep positive and move forward. Once you let negativity affect you it is almost impossible to climb out of that funk.

In the words of Sandra Davis, life is unpredictable and it’s important to be flexible. Some get focused on their plans and how situations should go but plans change. Sometimes situations are out of your power and one of life’s lessons is to learn how to adapt. When the unexpected happens there is nothing you can do about it; what is done is done. The best you can do is to embrace the situation and move forward. Look at the unexpected as a life lesson learned and as a new experience.

Being in college is a symbol of responsibility and independence. Sometimes it is hard for students to admit that they need help. It is not shameful to accept help in unpredicted situations happen. Give your friends and family the opportunity to help you when you are in need. In dire situations seek out opportunities for someone to help you. Students look at their time in college as a time to enjoy ourselves and have adventures, but sometimes situations are tough. It is time to set the pride aside and work together to overcome difficulties.

Head to the Learning and Student Development Center to schedule a counseling session or call Lisa Witzberger at 304-336-8215 if you feel that the unexpected, or anything for that matter, is getting to be too much.