With one week already down, most of us have already re-adjusted to the college life, except for those who are fresh off the boat from high school. Now, don’t get me wrong, freshman year was one of the best of years of my life, but it does take a bit of time to learn what you should and shouldn’t do. There is no shame whatsoever in being a freshman, except that you should be well-aware of several bonehead moves that upperclassmen expect of you. So, that said, here is your one warning on how to survive college without being labeled a “dumb freshman.”First off, I know all of you had the best of lives in high school. Whether you were captain of any varsity team, king or queen of the homecoming court or the valedictorian, you need to leave all of that in your yearbook. As a freshman, you need to quit telling stories about what you did in high school because most people don’t care or they flat-out think you are lying. College is your one chance to start fresh, but you need to quit living in your past. Also, when it gets cold outside, you all need to promise me that you will leave you varsity letter jackets at home. This goes back to the fact that nobody cares what you did in high school, so quit bragging about it. The only time those things need to be seen again is maybe at your graduation party, and then they can go back in their boxes. Second, it is not acceptable on Friday nights to grab 30 of your dorm friends and walk around the neighborhoods looking for a party at 9 p.m. I understand that during high school, if you weren’t at the party at 9 p.m., then you weren’t “cool,” but during college, parties don’t start forming until roughly 11 p.m. I encourage freshmen to use those two open hours to sleep more, attempt to get some work done so you aren’t bombarded on Sunday nights or come to Applebee’s and leave me a big tip. Also, when you walk in huge packs, you are basically wearing a big, red target that states, “We are freshmen. Could you please give us a hard time?” Upperclassmen love to poke fun at the lost freshmen all following the one guy in front who thinks he knows where he is going but actually has no clue. On a serious note, those groups attract attention. If someone is too drunk in your group and is causing a scene, the last thing you want is attention. Arguments, fights and possible police interaction are more probable when walking with large groups. Still, if that is your scene, go for it. Where have the days of personal interaction gone? While hanging out with my little brother (a freshman) and his friends, I had often heard, “Hey, I have to run, but Facebook me!” For those of you who don’t know, The Facebook is an online yearbook that allows you to message people and form groups. Now, I am guilty of using it from time to time, but what ever happened to giving out cell phone numbers? What have we come to when all we can do is say, “Facebook me.” I really don’t think that’s going to work when trying to pick up someone of the opposite sex. “Hey, baby, what do you say you Facebook me, and we’ll see what happens?” Please put an end to that. Thank you.
Freshmen, in all honesty, I really don’t hate you. Yet, at some time, you all need a bit of guidance. I wish nothing but the best for all of you this semester.
Write to Jim at
jmvandy@bsu.edu
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