A wise man once said, "Don't have expectations, and you'll never be disappointed." I do not remember who exactly said this-it could very well have been imparted by a fortune cookie-but I think it is a very important philosophy to keep in mind. Another piece of wisdom that was given to me, this one from an annoyed friend, is "Stop whining." This too is important to remember, especially at Brandeis.Maybe it's because there was so much buildup, with delay after delay; maybe it's because I'm pretty laid back in general or maybe it's because I was not in a normal state of mind, but I thought Modfest was pretty fun. It was not the greatest dance party I have ever been to; that would be last semester's Pachanga.

I can understand the seniors' resentment over the poorly-planned beer supply, but only to a point. Was it bad that there was not enough and that it was not dispensed properly? Sure. But at least you can buy your own if you want. The rest of us youngsters should be so lucky. Besides, is that not what pre-gaming is for? Then again, what do I know? I am just a lowly first-year.

OK, the school was supposed to supply free beer to those of legal drinking age, and did not deliver it as well as it could have. But at least there was fun dancing music and a whole lot of people.

OK, so the administration delayed and pushed it back a few times. At least Modfest happened; better late than never, I say.

For the seniors who have for four years looked forward to a Modfest of their own, I can understand that anything less than perfection is cause for complaint. Now, I know Modfest is supposed to be for the seniors, but the first-years, sophomores and a significant percentage of the juniors were unable-at least legally, although I am sure that did not stop some-to obtain this free beer. So if the beer complaint is the only major problem with Modfest, it probably did not affect more than half the people in attendance.

I see resentment about Modfest as a symptom of a larger problem that afflicts the Brandeis community: our virulent tendency to complain. Instead of looking for the highlights, Brandeisians are in a perpetual game of hide-and-seek with the negatives. Instead of thinking about Modfest as an opportunity for the school to buy you beer, think of it as a dance, where, if you are old (or clever) enough, there is free beer. You just have to work within your confines. Expectations are fluid; do not hold yourself to just one desired outcome. Or just buy your own beer.