By Haley Madison, Assistant Designer @haleyshantelle
The day after my high school graduation I jumped headfirst into the UVU life. Being the lone freshman on the Review staff was nothing short of terrifying. I’m surrounded by people who all seem to know what they’re doing. Some are married and have kids while I just barely outgrew the title “kid,” but I’ve grown accustomed to the age difference. The culture shock of going top dog as a senior in high school back to the bottom as a freshman in college is manageable, and you’ll get comfortable faster than you think.
Now, if the thought of roaming the halls with people more cynical and with less years left to live than you still almost scares you enough to run back to Mom and Dad’s, don’t worry. A month of grueling training and irreplaceable experience later, I can help.
First, learn as much as you can about the 90s. From the best albums to hit movies. The upper classmen will try to use the generation gap to humiliate you, so study up. Here’s a head start: if you, like me, were born the year after he died, Kurt Cobain was the lead singer of Nirvana.
Next, I’ve found that if you act like you know what you’re doing, no one will question you. Keep your head up and walk with purpose until you can discreetly look at a map or you miraculously end up where you are supposed to be. I do it all the time. Soon you’ll learn to perfect the art of speed walking without looking like an idiot and know the buildings like the back of your hand. My calves are getting toned and I’m learning the campus by muscle memory.
My plan is to stay as quiet as possible in my classes. Remember that pre-pre-pubescent kid who piped up on the first day and it felt like he would never stop talking? Don’t be him. Find a comfortable groove instead of plowing your own.
If you’re from Utah County and are planning to stay at home, I suggest you think about moving out. That’s partly because you’ll get the full blown “college experience” that everyone is always raving about, but mostly because I need friends. Game night at my place? Fantastic.
The time between classes is great for people watching. Get a Jamba Juice and enjoy the show or find a couch and sneak in a nap and people will watch you. Don’t bring a blanket, though. That’s going a bit too far. You’ll see a great mix of people walking the halls, from scooter gangs and monster-like gloves to personal displays of affection and the people counting the carpet squares as they go. People come in all flavors. Enjoy it.
Obviously, the purpose of college is to further your education, but it’s also a great way to meet people and gain new experiences. Make this the best time of your life. Try new things, be adventurous, write for the paper, make new friends, and call me in the morning.
Great article. I think it’s a blessing that you’re a part of the Review, you can easily blend in with experienced people, and who knows you might find a good mentor and guide you through your writing career.