By Duke Staff
11/09/17
In a world ravaged by recent terrors, Pennsylvania is reminding its citizens and visitors to pursue happiness.
Pennsylvania officials announced in March 2016 that the state’s official slogan would be changed from “State of Independence” to “Pennsylvania. Pursue your happiness.” This week, 18 months after the original announcement, welcome signs displaying the new motto are finally being installed to greet travelers.
The new slogan is refreshing and should be used as a daily mantra for all who step into and inhabit the Keystone state.
As the temperature drops and finals creep closer, the pursuit of happiness can become a difficult task. We at The Duke, understand the struggle.
It’s 40 degrees outside and raining, your umbrella broke, you have a paper due on Monday, a test on Tuesday and the line for Starbucks is way too long for you to grab that Peppermint Mocha before your next class begins.
It’s a stressful time, but we challenge all of our readers to fully embrace our new state slogan by going out into the world and doing the things that make you happy.
Happiness can be found in the smallest of places, and you don’t have to look very far in order to find it. Send a Snapchat of our friendly campus squirrels, share that meme you love with friends, reread your favorite book, binge watch that show you’ve been wanting to see or treat yourself to some Milano’s.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, there are plenty of other options around Pittsburgh.
Light-Up Night isn’t until Nov. 17, but the city began decorating for the holiday season this past weekend. So bundle up and take a stroll through Downtown to see a sneak peek of the transformation.
If you want to stay out of the cold, find warmth in one of the various museums Pittsburgh has to offer. Many even have student discounts to keep both you and your wallet happy. And, if you’re 21 or older, both the Carnegie Science Center and Museum of Natural History offer “after dark” nights to enjoy the museums kid-free.
Pittsburgh also boasts several theaters featuring everything from off-Broadway musicals to comedy to dance. See a classic come to life when The Color Purple opens at the Benedum Center on Nov. 14, or discover something brand new by attending Abraham.In.Motion. at the August Wilson Center on Friday and Saturday.
And, if you want to stay on campus, Duquesne’s men’s basketball team kicks off its season at home on Saturday against the Saint Francis Brooklyn Terriers at 5:30 p.m. Take in the noon football game on Rooney Field between the Dukes and Central Connecticut Blue Devils, then move on down to the A.J. Palumbo Center to catch the beginning of the coach Keith Dambrot era.
With all these amazing options and countless more to discover, what are you waiting for? Come on, Duquesne, and pursue your happiness.
