October is half over and midterms are in full swing. Though our schedules are hectic, there are many things to do on and off campus to take your mind off your impending homework and tests. Take some time to go to events in Washington, D.C., because college won’t last forever!
…On Campus
Rae Sremmurd
When? 7:30 p.m. October 22
Where? Bender Arena
What? Thanks to Verge Campus Tour and American University Student Government, Hip Hop group Rae Sremmurd will be performing live. Their hits include “No Flex Zone”, “No Type” and “Throw Sum Mo”. This can’t miss concert is one of the most anticipated events of the year, and what’s more, it will be happening right here, on campus.
Exploring Social Practice
When? Until October 22
Where? Katzen Arts Center
What? This exhibition is curated by Victoria Reis and Tim Dowd, and features the work of various talented artists. Located in the Katzen Rotunda, it looks at social practice, especially the distinct social techniques of interaction. It presents photos and accounts of various artistic social interventions revolving around feminism, visibility and destruction, and recreates these interventions so that the audience can actively participate in the art. Highlights include a comfy sofa that encourages people to sit on it and read.
Madeline Albright
When? October 17, 8:15 pm
Where? Bender Arena
What? Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright (who is also the first female secretary of State) will be speaking at American University as part of All-American Weekend. Born in Prague, Albright holds a degree from Columbia University. She was the United States ambassador to the United Nations, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and is currently the director of the board of the Council of Foreign Relations, to name just a few of her positions and achievements.
…In Washington, D.C.
D.C. Drag Queen Race
When? 9:00 p.m. October 27
Where? Dupont Circle. More specifically, 17th street between P and S streets
What? One part costume exhibition, one part race, 100% fun, this annual event is a beloved DC tradition. The outrageous costumes themselves are awe-inspiring, and as if that wasn’t enough, the participants then race, high heels and all. Rumor has it that after the race participants are willing to pose for pictures, but attendees must be sure to arrive early to get a spot— the sidewalks will be packed by the official race start time.
Smithsonian Dia de los Muertos
When? 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. October 31
Where? Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian
What? A celebration of this Mexican holiday to honor the dead and celebrate life will take place at the Smithsonian Museum. The holiday itself begins on November 1 at midnight and continues until November 2. The event will include a performance of the traditional indigenous dance, Danza de los Tecuanes, food demonstrations in the museum’s café, and time for attendees to create such traditional fare as papel picado and sugar skulls.
TEDx
When? 10 a.m. October 24
Where? Georgetown University
What? TEDx events are independently organized but have similar format, ideas and impactful content to the official TED talks. This one’s theme is “Risk Takers” and features various thought-provoking speakers. The event’s goal is to spread new and interesting ideas, make audience think differently and give a new perspective to what risk really is.
…In Life
Carve Jack O’ Lanterns
When? Before Halloween
Where? Unfortunately, the closest pumpkin patches are in Maryland and Virginia, so only accessible to those lucky enough to have a car (or lucky enough to have a friend with a car). But there are plenty of places to find pumpkins in the District— most grocery stores have them, and there are often pumpkin tents set up on street corners.
What? There’s nothing quite like cutting spooky faces and creative designs into the side of an autumn vegetable to get in the spirit of the season. Bonus points for roasting the seeds.
Ace Midterms
As the semester goes on, students can be found retreating indoors, and it is not only because the weather is getting colder. Midterms are just around the corner, so it’s a good idea to start preparing. It’s helpful to map out important dates of exams and due dates for papers. Breaking work down into manageable chunks before the last minute can prevent the frenzy of stress that many students feel, and leaves more time for sleep, which will help performance and confidence.
Do Good:
October 24 is National Make a Difference Day. Instigating change for good is by no means limited to one day, but this holiday is a great reminder to do something good. It doesn’t have to be big: lots of establishments, from grocery stores to coffee shops, sell special products this month, and donate part of the proceeds to breast cancer research (October is Breast Cancer awareness month, as well as Disability Awareness Month and Bullying Awareness Month). There is also a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, but “good” isn’t limited to donating and volunteering: there are plenty of everyday situations where a little bit of kindness can truly make a difference for someone.