A national poll revealed that feelings of optimism have risen across America by 14 percent since December. The poll was a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation telephone survey that surveyed by 1,012 American adults from Jan. 21 to 23.

Faculty and students at Eastern are also feeling this wave of optimism as well, with 68 percent of students feeling more optimistic this semester than last.

Dannie Otto, a professor of philosophy, said he definitely notices a higher level of optimism around campus.

“Students wouldn’t be here if somehow (they didn’t feel) it somehow made life better,” he said. “That’s optimism.”

Otto said he has seen this optimistic viewpoint in the past as well.

“I think we (always) deal with optimism in a segment of young people,” he said. “When people choose education, they are making an optimistic choice.”

He said he thinks students have high hopes for themselves, but they may still have other concerns.

“Most (students) are optimistic about themselves as individuals, but they are (still) concerned about the overall direction of society,” he said.

Amanda Loehr, a freshman English major with teacher’s certification, said the level of optimism is currently high among students because the semester is still somewhat new.

Michael Bilek, a freshman biological sciences major, said he has generally always had a good outlook for the future.

“I’m a very optimistic person by nature, including things with school,” he said. “I try to make the best of all my days.”

Even though students are feeling more upbeat, they will inevitably run into more challenging times.Loehr said she keeps her optimistic attitude by seeking help when she needs it.

“(I think) students shouldn’t be afraid to ask their teachers for help,” she said.

Loehr said she thinks students should utilize their resources, especially teachers, in order to maintain a good attitude and succeed.

“Teachers want students to do well,” she said. “If you have the intention to do well, pay attention and want to learn, teachers like that and will help you.”

Bilek also said he thinks teachers are helpful to those students who have the goal of succeeding

“(Teachers) always seem to be helpful to more optimistic students when it comes to tests and quizzes,” he said. “They expect and want the best for students.”

Loehr also said students can always rely on their friends for assistance as well.

“People always have friends to talk to if they need them,” she said.

Otto said he appreciates when students apply their good attitudes not only to their schoolwork, but to also help others in need.

“I’m always encouraged by volunteers for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and groups going to Haiti,” he said. “That kind of degree of care is an optimistic act.”

Otto said he expects the trend of optimism to continue.

“As you age in life, you’re genetically programmed to be more optimistic,” he said.

Sara Hall can be reached

at 581-2812 or smhall3@eiu.edu