Smahliuk-Bootz: Welcoming you back, with open arms and caring hearts
Central Michigan freshmen link arms while ducking under beams Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the Indoor Athletic Complex. Safari Leadership requires students to stay connected while facing a challenge course in order to learn to work together and communicate. (CM-Life | Mary Nowosacki)
Welcome to the Central Michigan University campus!
As you’re turning the pages of your syllabuses and getting ready to listen to the lecture at your first class this fall, I encourage you to enjoy every single moment of this back-to-school, or first year as a college student, experience.
Set daring goals for this academic year, meet new people, join clubs and dream bold. You’re beginning a special year that will present exciting opportunities, bring exceptional people into your life and expand your horizons.
College life isn’t just going to offer education through textbooks and your major; it’s also the time when you can join different clubs, take classes you’re interested in and learn new things about yourself.
But while you’re diving into an exciting world of possibilities, I also encourage you to remember these two important things: keep your heart open and take care of yourself.
Our minds and bodies have limitless capabilities, but so does our humanity. In a world where so many cruel things happen, staying kind to others, empathetic and ethical in everything you do creates a brighter and a better place for everyone.
Join a local donation drive, volunteer at a shelter or just offer a helping hand to your friend. Remember that we’re all humans -- wonderful and powerful creatures -- but sometimes we all need just some kindness and love.
Sometimes, love is all you'll need too. When navigating the fast-paced schedule of classes and struggles of others, remember to take care of yourself as well. It’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to say no to homework when you need to and rest. Make a cup of your favorite tea and read a good book – or do what recharges you.
Here at Central Michigan Life, we’re also excited to start the new year of classes, and we’re so proud to present you with the back-to-school edition that you'll soon be holding in your hands. (Pro tip: Look for it on racks Thursday!)
In our work, we're also guided by empathy, ethics and care. In this edition, you’ll find a story of a dying man with his plea, health advice to keep in mind this fall season, the football season preview and many other stories.
We hope you’ll also find that we have so much love and care for you, our reader.
Thank you for reading.
Masha Smahliuk-Bootz is the 2025-26 Central Michigan Life editor-in-chief.
