Today is Friday, Feb. 21, and the warmth of spring has begun to encroach. The temperatures are rising, and the snow is rapidly returning as water to the Earth. People emerge from their myriad caves, shedding their winter coats. Everywhere energy returns to the long beleaguered Macalester community, slowly but surely.

Even the college Administration takes note of the increase in student activity. Why else was this week chosen over all others as Sexual Awareness Week? Like a rifle sale before the open of hunting season, the proliferation of prophylactics is one sure sign of what soon may be a festooning frenzy of fervent festivities.

Alliteration aside, there is still a question of what exactly you will do with your influx of spring energy. What frustrates me is that this question is rarely addressed in a public forum, and after spending one half-year at Macalester I'm just becoming aware of the ample opportunities at our collective fingertips.

I don't mean to insult those who dwell within the disinfected cells of academia, but the ivory tower and its complex questions often obscure the ease with which one person may rapidly integrate into a community. Slipped within Macalester's new set of strategic initiatives is Project Pericles, a top-level endeavor meant to integrate academics and the surrounding community.

However, as witness to recent faculty driven programs, I've found they can talk the talk but rarely walk the walk. But we Macalester students should rise above the sluggish tendencies of faculty and administrative programs. We are young, and it is fast becoming springtime in the springtime of our lives.

So what are you to do? Take a step. I challenge each and every one of you to take a step and check out something new. If you want some ideas, I've got a trunkload.

Anyone who read the last Mac Weekly and possesses half a brain must have seen the numerous half-page fake ads which pronounced pitifully that "We at The Mac Weekly are bleeding out of our ears to fill pages." So if you can write, WRITE. There's a step.

If you are familiar with the concept of "Radio Technology" and possess one of those fast disappearing devices called, a radio, tune in to 91.7. This is WMCN, Macalester's radio station. Dozens of people pour their hearts out weekly to provide fresh new music. We are college students so the content is wicked and unpredictable, with at least a dozen ticket giveaways available. Tuning in is a big step, and if you are one of the students who can't get reception, complain to the administration; that's what they're there for.

And for those of you not yet enthused, I offer the following enigma:

What Mid-Western college campus offers Mini DV cameras to students for checkout from Media Services? What Godless school offers Massage Club in fourth floor Old Main, Wednesdays at 10 p.m.? What institution in deficit provides a nude model drawing session Tuesdays 6 –8 p.m. in the Art Department? The answers to this quagmire and numerous others are found when you take one step towards the unknown, and accept the opportunities of Macalester.

Take a step and you will find the same answers that notable others have stumbled upon, from running boy Mark Mitchner to the Anointed Annan.

As springtime comes I hope you find your way into the unfamiliar territory of an inviting community about as often as you find yourselves in the arms of an affectionate lover. With the end of Sexual Awareness Week, I encourage everyone to accept Community Awareness Season and the sporadic offerings of kindness and love it provides.