Waking up early to make it to class on time (especially in cold weather) can be a struggle. Maybe you’re having a bad hair day and spill coffee on your favorite shirt, thinking there’s no way you could possibly have a good day after encountering such a rough morning.
But then as you walk to class you hear something uplifting and faint in the distance. As you continue walking, you realize that uplifting, mood changing music is coming from Zwemer Hall. Suddenly, the attitude of having the worst day ever, turns into having hope your day could get better.
Here at Northwestern, the only time music is played from Zwemer Hall is Friday mornings. Fridays are the best days, not only because the weekend has arrived, but because as I walk to and from class, I am relieved and thankful I can jam to whatever song happens to be playing. I know I’m not the only one thinking this because I’ve heard comments from several other students that they enjoy this music as well. Zwemer Hall should play music every morning because it puts so many students, including myself, in a joyous mood and lays out our attitude on how the rest of the day will go.
According to many studies, not only is music enjoyable, it helps keep people awake and focused. Monday mornings are the worst days of the week. I walk to class and struggle paying attention because recovery from the weekend is hard. But when I wake up and put on music, I am no longer dragging along and tired but energized and ready to conquer any classes or tasks I have that day.
Usually Zwemer plays Christian music, which is expected at a private Christian college, but it has been quite fun to hear the other song selections that have been played recently. Also, while I’m sure NW keeps the music pretty seasonal, another reason music should be played over campus every day is because when December hits, and the snow starts falling, the only thing that will keep students and myself going is Christmas music.
We’re only here in December for a couple weeks, why not get in all the Christmas we can before leaving school until January? NW can mix up the song selections as little or as often as they want, but everyday music from Zwemer Hall should be the change NW sees.
Music is beneficial for the soul, and it would do wonders for campus morale if it was played more regularly. We all wish every day was Friday, so why not play music every day like it really is Friday?
I really believe students will be more involved and focused while hearing music every day on their way to and from classes! This will create a more positive environment, and that bad hair day or spilled coffee will only be a minor downer instead of what sets the mood for the rest of the day.
