Dallas College Counseling and Psychological Services received several contacts and feedback regarding the cartoon featured in the December 6th, 2022 edition of the Richland Chronicle. The picture depicts two subjects, one appearing to prepare to place a noose around their neck, with the caption, “Final exams not going well?” As a result of this, and as I have the honor of leading the team that received these concerns, I’d like to offer my response.

Winter is nature’s metaphor for death. Impending signs of “aging” appear, such as the transition to cold weather, shifting of outdoor bustle of the summer to quieter indoor life, completion of harvest, slumber of the earth, burrowing and hibernation of animals, shed- ding of tree leaves, sallow branches, gray and dark sky, shorter days and longer nights. The time between October end and early November is a period of “in-between” - summer and winter, neither hot nor cold, halfway between the autumn equinox and winter solstice - a gateway between this world and another, the world of spirits.

Spirits are departed souls, who play the role of beneficent ancestors when appeased and malefic demons when dishonored. The traditions of Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, and Shraddha are three different rituals that honor the dead during this transitional time period.

As another semester begins, let’s breathe new life into old ideas for a successful post-pandemic semester.

First, be ready to have a great semester. Everything begins with a thought, so set your intention to make this a successful semester. A successful semester does not simply happen, but by consciously planning for it, we make choices and decisions that will result in a favorable semester for us.