2008 Woodie Awards
Involvement will improve college experience
Andy Harper
Issue date: 5/1/08 Section: Opinions
There isn't much to be said about college that, as students new and old, we haven't heard before.
"Make sure to get plenty of sleep."
"Always go to class."
"Don't compete for the title of 'Beer Pong Champion' the night before your final."
But the one thing that does matter and never changes is the involvement you should have with your campus.
By now, it should be no secret that MTSU is notorious for being a suitcase school. There are some weekends that a morgue seems livelier than campus. CUSTOMS will overload new students with a list of countless activities that you should participate in, but usually it seems that new students don't really care.
And why should they care? Why should a freshman want to add the responsibility of an extracurricular to their newfound freedom? Isn't it easier to sleep in, go to class, eat, study a little and sleep some more?
Absolutely. It is easier to do nothing, but unfortunately, it's also extremely boring. Albeit, I'm sure sitting on the step of Cummings Hall or Corlew Hall is a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it shouldn't be the only thing a new student should look forward to.
As much as the university will battle against the stereotype, we are a large campus with a huge student body. It is very easy to get lost in the day-to-day shuffle and to feel like just a number - an 'M' number to be specific.
The trick is finding a place you can call home. Obviously, my pick has been Sidelines. For the past three years, I have found a family with collegiate peers of the highest caliber and an office that acts more like a sanctuary to escape the hustle-and-bustle of the rest of the student body.
Honestly, I would not have survived this long at MTSU without the support I found by working at the newspaper.
Luckily, there are other ways to get involved other than Sidelines. MTSU offers a variety of interesting activities ranging from sports, political and volunteer.
"Make sure to get plenty of sleep."
"Always go to class."
"Don't compete for the title of 'Beer Pong Champion' the night before your final."
But the one thing that does matter and never changes is the involvement you should have with your campus.
By now, it should be no secret that MTSU is notorious for being a suitcase school. There are some weekends that a morgue seems livelier than campus. CUSTOMS will overload new students with a list of countless activities that you should participate in, but usually it seems that new students don't really care.
And why should they care? Why should a freshman want to add the responsibility of an extracurricular to their newfound freedom? Isn't it easier to sleep in, go to class, eat, study a little and sleep some more?
Absolutely. It is easier to do nothing, but unfortunately, it's also extremely boring. Albeit, I'm sure sitting on the step of Cummings Hall or Corlew Hall is a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it shouldn't be the only thing a new student should look forward to.
As much as the university will battle against the stereotype, we are a large campus with a huge student body. It is very easy to get lost in the day-to-day shuffle and to feel like just a number - an 'M' number to be specific.
The trick is finding a place you can call home. Obviously, my pick has been Sidelines. For the past three years, I have found a family with collegiate peers of the highest caliber and an office that acts more like a sanctuary to escape the hustle-and-bustle of the rest of the student body.
Honestly, I would not have survived this long at MTSU without the support I found by working at the newspaper.
Luckily, there are other ways to get involved other than Sidelines. MTSU offers a variety of interesting activities ranging from sports, political and volunteer.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
news across the neocon empire
posted 5/01/08 @ 5:45 AM CST
ZZZZZZ...zzzzz...
Sidelines just keeps getting more boring with every issue.
Well
posted 5/01/08 @ 10:40 AM CST
This issue was the CUSTOMS issue. It's created entirely for incoming freshmen.
D. Moore
posted 5/15/08 @ 9:30 PM CST
Yes, I agee that CUSTOMS is directed at incoming freshmen. However, for us more mature and seasoned adult students, it is imoprtant to be involved ay at least SOME level. (Continued…)
Well
posted 5/21/08 @ 3:12 PM CST
there is the OWLS program, if that is something you're interested in.
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