One last year to achieve, lead, think, live it up and experience
By: Jane Still
Issue date: 8/28/09 Section: Features
With senior year quickly approaching, it is hard for me to grasp the idea that this time next year I will (hopefully) be working a job and living on my own. I remember when I came to DePauw, the upperclassmen in my group of friends would always remark about how fast the years go. Let's be honest, though, I was young and naive and did not understand how four years of my life could go by so quickly, especially the dreaded freshman year.
After being accepted to DePauw, my only school of choice, I was really anxious to embark on a new journey and excited to make an entirely new group of friends. Although my thoughts were optimistic, nothing came that easy. Freshman year was much harder than I had anticipated, and the controlled social scene seemed to be taking over my and the rest of the freshmen's lives. Even though DePauw doesn't do anything without the student's best interest at hand, I still thought they were slowly killing my social life and everything in between.
Although freshman year was halfway over by the time I felt secure in a group of friends, I wouldn't have changed it for anything. The friends you make your first year in college may be the friends you are closest to the rest of your time at DePauw and even after graduation. Also, DePauw is such a tight-knit community that I believe I will still be making new ties with people until I graduate. I know the friends I have made in my sorority, service organizations and in the classroom will be contacts I have the rest of my life.
The best part about being at DePauw is the fact that they offer anything you could dream of doing. Even if they don't provide a club that fits your interest, they are very open to new opportunities. DePauw is a place filled with challenges that push you to a level you never dreamt of achieving. This school has taught me that I really can write a 25-page research paper, train for Little 5, have a radio show and even write for the school newspaper.
Even though the saying "take chances in life" is cliché, it is honestly the best advice I can give to any freshmen who are about to enter this unique little community. College is about taking risks: entering a class that is above your grade level, taking a leadership position that requires more time than you have and staying up all night with your friends, even when you have a test the next day. This is the time in your life to make mistakes and test the waters. This is the time in your life to be selfish and focus on your wants and needs in life. You only have four years - four years to do all the things you have always thought about doing but never thought were possible. DePauw brings you opportunities unlike any other school. It even sets aside a month in January to explore other cultures and visit places you would probably never have the chance to visit again.
As I leave DePauw, as well as three generations of my family's history, I can honestly say I will be able to look back with no regrets. The way you spend your time at DePauw is up to you. Only you have control over what memories you decide to make and the obstacles you are willing to face. Just remember, no matter how frustrated you get during the week, and when you think that the work is endless, there is nothing a late-night Marvin's run can't cure.
- Still, a senior, is a staff writer and guest columnist from Westfield, Ind. features@thedepauw.com
After being accepted to DePauw, my only school of choice, I was really anxious to embark on a new journey and excited to make an entirely new group of friends. Although my thoughts were optimistic, nothing came that easy. Freshman year was much harder than I had anticipated, and the controlled social scene seemed to be taking over my and the rest of the freshmen's lives. Even though DePauw doesn't do anything without the student's best interest at hand, I still thought they were slowly killing my social life and everything in between.
Although freshman year was halfway over by the time I felt secure in a group of friends, I wouldn't have changed it for anything. The friends you make your first year in college may be the friends you are closest to the rest of your time at DePauw and even after graduation. Also, DePauw is such a tight-knit community that I believe I will still be making new ties with people until I graduate. I know the friends I have made in my sorority, service organizations and in the classroom will be contacts I have the rest of my life.
The best part about being at DePauw is the fact that they offer anything you could dream of doing. Even if they don't provide a club that fits your interest, they are very open to new opportunities. DePauw is a place filled with challenges that push you to a level you never dreamt of achieving. This school has taught me that I really can write a 25-page research paper, train for Little 5, have a radio show and even write for the school newspaper.
Even though the saying "take chances in life" is cliché, it is honestly the best advice I can give to any freshmen who are about to enter this unique little community. College is about taking risks: entering a class that is above your grade level, taking a leadership position that requires more time than you have and staying up all night with your friends, even when you have a test the next day. This is the time in your life to make mistakes and test the waters. This is the time in your life to be selfish and focus on your wants and needs in life. You only have four years - four years to do all the things you have always thought about doing but never thought were possible. DePauw brings you opportunities unlike any other school. It even sets aside a month in January to explore other cultures and visit places you would probably never have the chance to visit again.
As I leave DePauw, as well as three generations of my family's history, I can honestly say I will be able to look back with no regrets. The way you spend your time at DePauw is up to you. Only you have control over what memories you decide to make and the obstacles you are willing to face. Just remember, no matter how frustrated you get during the week, and when you think that the work is endless, there is nothing a late-night Marvin's run can't cure.
- Still, a senior, is a staff writer and guest columnist from Westfield, Ind. features@thedepauw.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Lynn Still
posted 8/28/09 @ 9:27 PM EST
Well said! Don't you wish we all got this advice when we were embarking on a new and arduous adventure?
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