Over the course of a human life, a person will usually form many attachments. Some of these attachments are torn from us; sometimes we force our magnetic tendencies to cling elsewhere. Many of the things we come to love, and which become part of us, are encountered while still in the mist of the fountain of youth. Life throws many turns our way, however, and each year presents different attachments.

What determines what we become attached to? I’d say it’s a combination of personality — biological — and what you are fortunate enough to be surrounded with — environment. Take your favorite TV shows as a kid, or video games, friends, and traditions. All become entwined in the constantly developing film reel that is your memory.

The things we encounter that elicit happiness and laughter quickly become preferred. That teddy bear you used to sleep with — I don’t care what its name was — was likely a soft, comforting pillow to fall back on. Your big red fire trucks, scantily clad Barbies or whatever you entertained yourself with as a child, were once part of you, in a sense. You spent loads of time creating and learning with these toys, and they likely still produce memories.

Many children grow up with a family pet, and this pet quickly becomes an attachment. A pet is loved and adored in a civilized family, and basically becomes a member of the family. However, what happens when this pet is gone? Immediately, the realization kicks in of how much you loved it and will miss it. It’s a terrible feeling, and it’s an emotion everyone goes through at some point, often numerous times. This feeling isn’t just associated with pets; it could be a friend, family member or house you must say goodbye to.

We form attachments over our lifespan only to have most of them blown away, like dust in the wind. But while someone or something we love may be gone physically, we still possess the positive memories of that someone or something. No matter what cruel things happened, which mistakes were made, which words were never breathed in the night, it’s the memories we frame that will live on.

Common attachments of an ISU student are family, friends, relationship partners, cell phones, iPods, music, athletics, caffeine, alcohol, exercise, pizza, favorite sports teams, money — which quickly becomes detached, of course — the desire for expansive growth of that so-called brain, faith, intramurals, possibly a cat or dog, “Call of Duty,” video games in general, reading the Iowa State Daily, “drunk food,” VEISHEA, pranks on roommates, sleeping in, social networking, YouTube, concerts, jaywalking, spending time in the library, not getting much done in the library, SWAG, checking horoscopes, pillow fights, late night Memorial Union activities, movie nights, sitting on the couch almost naked, eating Cheetos, TV programs, disc golf, and many more shenanigans I’m sure I missed.

These are some of the many things we value and feel close to. We organize our lives to try to fit in all these things, and it doesn’t always work out. As a wise man once told me, “it’s quality, not quantity.” This means you don’t have to have a life with 10,000 activities. A life with a few passions you’re really good at and/or enjoy is often a better route.

Hell, one good passion may be all you need. Regardless, always treasure your attachments. Always love.