Enthusiastic! If there’s one word to describe how I feel about this semester, that’s it. And my goal is to help spread that sentiment to the Class of 2014.
The freshman experience can be a fantastic opportunity. For the first time, you are not under the jurisdiction of your parents; classroom attendance is your prerogative (no matter what your professors tell you); and how you live your life only depends on one person – you. So let me break it down:
Academics: Hopefully, this is one of the main reasons you’re here. JCU ranks among the best schools for academics by many criteria. The professors are here to help you succeed, so take advantage of that, and talk to them. If that makes you uneasy, go to one of the student-run tutoring centers or one of your friends.
The program here is designed for your success. If you don’t want to put forth the effort, then the choice is simple – don’t. Nobody will force you out of bed and onto the school bus. If you don’t want to do your homework, don’t. Your grades will most likely reflect your choices, but the choices are yours to make.
Outside the classroom: Do something fun. Get involved with an activity, and your freshman year will fly by. If you’re a science person, Dolan is your oyster, so crack it open and find the pearl.
If you’re like me and fear all things scientific, stick with the Hogwarts-esque halls of the O’Malley Center – there are plenty of clubs to join there, too. Not sure what you want to do? Write for The CN; we love new faces.
But whatever you choose to do around or off campus, make sure to keep your priorities straight. It doesn’t matter what these priorities are, but they define who you are, so don’t let that go. And if you ever get overwhelmed, lean on your friends. That’s what they’re there for.
Finally, you’ve been here for about two or three weeks now, so chances are good that you have encountered the last topic: Alcohol.
Welcome to college. There is drinking. There is underage drinking. And, from what I understand, it is an enjoyable pastime. I’m sure you have heard the clichéd rules for drinking, so I won’t repeat them. I simply want to dispel two myths: 1) Alcohol will kill you; and 2) Everybody drinks.
Yes, alcohol can kill you. Does that mean it will? No. Be smart, and know your limit. Try not to stumble down Warrensville Center Road with a backpack at 2 a.m. and you should be golden. Otherwise, just enjoy yourself however you choose to do so – whether that’s with Orloff, Natty, or simply water.
And if you don’t drink, don’t feel pressured. It actually is easy just to say ‘No.’ How do I know? Because I have successfully attended dances, parties, and dorm-room pregaming without drinking a single drop of alcohol. Is it as much fun? Probably not. Am I good at pong? Absolutely terrible. Do I still have a great time with my friends? Every weekend!
The moral of the story is this: College is life without limits. Get out there and try new things (whatever that means to you). Hang out with friends, get involved, do your homework… or not. But the message is straightforward – it’s JCU; just have a good time.
