A Word's Trick on the Mind
Typically, when one thinks of "college life", you think of endless fun, sex, and drinking. Conversely, the opposite is closer to the truth; that is for those who wish to stay in college long enough to graduate. Much of college is hard work, studying, and stress. Though fun can and is put in there some where, it is not to the extent that the media portrays. Once again, this is from the point of view of a serious student; one would imagine the majority of students are serious students. How, then, is this bias created? Even the atmosphere of college life has this bias. The answer maybe closer than you think. All you may have to do, is look down.
The writing around us creates the fun and "great colloge life" atmosphere. Though college can be and is fun, it is amplified by the writing we see beneath our feet or on our neighboor's door. To a person that has not participated in college life, this may be the only sense they can feel. "Party at the Spot", "Club Delt: Friday 10p.m-2a.m", with messages like these in almost any direction, one could easily get the idea of party college life. This is because what that person may not know, is that the parties occured a month ago or more. As previously hinted at however, these writings do no only occur on the side walk; many more can be found on the doors in the dorms.
"Sex, ...is a bitch, we have to try out for..." are a few of many writings I have personally seen on the doors of my colleagues. When one reads these, it is hard and uncommon not to immediately make judgement. When one sees the word "sex" on a door, the image formed in ones mind is probably not that of a straight A, soon to be great doctor or biomedical engineer. However, from the door in which I saw this on, it is likely to be true. I feel I must press the point that I am not saying that sex, drinking, and partying does not happen or is extremely rare; but rather that they are the brighter light in the dark.
Though college is fun, a fair amount that one sees on television is hype. A camera man would be quick to zoom on "party here" sign, rather than a group of students studying hard for their next exam. Though my message can seem negative about the writings we see in college, this is not so. I love the feeling they inspire and merely wish to point out something that one may not have known. Writing can have a stronger effect on the mind than often given credit for.
Acknowledgement: "My Freshman Year", by Rebekah Nathan
Comments