Life can be very confusing for college students. It is the one time of our lives when we do not know what we are going to be doing and where we will be in the near future. While learning about our area of interest in the classroom, we also are learning about life in the bubble world that we call Athens.

It is the first time in our lives when electric bills and fake ids are a concern. We are too old to be walked through a problem like a kid, but not old enough to always be treated as an adult. As a freshman, you learn what it is really like not to have anyone tell you when to study and when to be home at night. As a senior, you learn about job markets and graduate schools. The time in between is a long, winding path full of ups and downs.

There are only two common themes involved in every person's path. The first is that everyone at Ohio University shares the common goal of graduation. It is the one thing on every student's mind here. It is why we came. From the time we first entered our freshman dorms to the time we walk across the stage before tearful friends and family, everyone's individual paths differ. Which brings me to my next theme - everyone's path is different. Everyone here experiences ups and downs and ins and outs. Everyone's path is smooth at some points and rocky at others. While some paths might be straighter than others, they all are forever changing.

The reason I am pointing this out is to create some sort of bond between students. College can be a scary place, and it is important to look after one another. We all are in a large fraternity of 20,000 plus people with a whole life ahead of us. I cannot begin to count the times when my path got a little bumpy, and I wished there had been more people to hold my hand and walk me through it. Many of our loved ones are miles away, so it is important to be there for your neighbor when their path gets bumpy, because someday it will be important for your neighbor to be there for you. All it takes is a simple smile or hug to really brighten someone's day. It only takes a few seconds to complete the act, it's free and it can really make someone's gloomy day a little brighter. For the four or five years we are at OU, it is our duty to do this because we are in this transitional period of our lives together. We truly are our brother's keeper.

Everyone is going to make some mistakes from time to time while in Athens. Everyone also is going to do wonderful things by truly touching peoples' lives while at OU. As a student body we need to be there for fellow students in both of these times. It is easy to share the glory of someone's outstanding accomplishments during college, and there are plenty, but it is a little harder to be there for someone during their times of shame. It is those gloomy times, however, when there is a greater need for attention and sharing. All it takes is a smile and a hug to really comfort someone during such times.

When you read this Turnstile, please consider it and find someone who might not be getting all the attention they need. Perhaps someone whose current path might not be as smooth as they would like it to be. Hold their hand, tell them it will be OK and you will be there for them, give them a big hug and watch the difference you made in their day. It is that simple. If you are one of the people who feel you need the attention, let me know where I can find you, and I'll promise you a big hug ... as long as I get one in return.

Goldberg, a recreation management major, can be reached at ag313395@oak.cats.ohiou.edu.

Turnstiles are written by OU staff, students and Athens community members. They should be about 700 words, typed and double spaced. You may submit them to Sarah Wigdalski at The Post or send them by e-mail to post@oak.cats.ohiou.edu.