After experiencing the calamities of a major hurricane during our second week in school, it’s easy to ask “Why?”

Why have we experienced so many dangerous hurricanes in the past couple of years? Why have so many lives been lost? Why has so much damage been caused?

I am from Mobile, so I am used to hurricanes, but I have grown tired of the constant storms battering our state. On the day Hurricane Katrina hit I was here in Tuscaloosa praying for my family, who was still in Mobile. On Monday, I learned that the patio roof at my house had blown into the yard.

When I found out that all we’d suffered was roof damage all I could say was “Thank you, Lord.” Material things can be replaced. A roof can be replaced. A home can be rebuilt. No one in my family lost his or her life, so my only response was to praise God.

Often we as human beings complain about one thing or another. We complain when we cannot find a job. We complain when we have a job because we dislike our boss or co-workers.

We complain if we don’t have the funds to attend college. We complain when we are able to attend college because we do not like our classes or professors.

We complained because we lost power for a few hours during a storm. We didn’t lose our lives; we only lost electrical power. Are you noticing a pattern?

I began reading a book during the summer, “Seven Things That Steal Your Joy” by Joyce Meyer. Through reading the book, I came to realize how easily I allow myself to become unhappy, often over the smallest things. I am not the only one who is guilty of this.

Many of us take life for granted and allow our joy to be taken from us. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Every day that we are living is a reason for us to be thankful.

During the hurricane I prayed for God to take care of my family, and he did. It would be ridiculous for me to whine about a roof being damaged. Who cares? God is still good and still in control.

If there is anything that I have learned from these numerous hurricanes, it is that life is short. Every day that passes is a day that we cannot have back. Let’s remember this when we find ourselves dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Some people died during Hurricane Katrina. Some people died during Hurricane Ivan. We are all living, so why not be happy?

It is the beginning of a new school year. Last year’s problems are not important anymore. Mistakes we made last year don’t matter.

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I know that in the past I have wasted too much time worrying about life rather than living it. My goal is to make this year the best one I have experienced thus far.

Students, let’s make this year a fresh start. Freshmen, enjoy your first year at the University even if you are intimidated or nervous. Sophomores, give your all in your classes and activities. Juniors, don’t stress too much about graduate school, law school and your upcoming senior year. Seniors, I know that you are excited about graduating this year, but don’t party too hard.

Students, professors and everyone else: Every day find a reason to smile.

Most importantly, don’t take life for granted.

Kimberly Goins is a senior staff reporter for The Crimson White. Her column appears every other Thursday.