I learned a thing or two after 28 weeks of school. I wrote a computer program that solves quadratic equations, studied the basics of utilitarianism and analyzed Christianity's presence in James Baldwin's novels.
These nuggets of knowledge will help in future courses and surely impress cocktail party guests. But the most important lessons I will take from this year are not from lecture notes or PowerPoint slides. If you asked me as a pint-sized high school freshman where I would go to college, I would not have answered OU.
Back in those days, I saw OU as a place where students drank more beer than water. OU was known for its bros and crazy parties, not standout programs such as the Honors Tutorial College and journalism school. As kids I admired from home flocked to Athens, I realized an extreme stereotype warped my view of OU. This past year further reinforced that.
After arriving in September, I thought OU would immediately disprove its party-school stereotype. I was wrong. OU appeared to be a campus full of raucous partygoers more interested in scoring beer pong victories than good grades. The students of this university seemingly could not intellectually and socially engage me.
A tinge of arrogance and elitism colored my impressions of these new classmates and surroundings. I seemed destined for a frustrating year.
For the first few weeks, I kept rationalizing there was more to OU than its party school mentality. I knew I could not survive four years immersed in these mental battles. I challenged myself to not just disprove, but also destroy these stereotypes throughout the year.
This quest to expand my view of Athens began through shunning the common past times of OU - essentially avoiding the Court Street scene and bumping house parties. I frequented School of Music recitals and concerts. The intimate atmosphere of Glidden Hall's recital auditorium and diverse musical selections were welcome changes. I left the concerts humming Beethoven symphonies and eager to return for more musical enrichment. I also began attending local theatre productions. The environment of the theatre made me forget the cold nights of winter and piles of homework. I discovered that with a little investigative work there is a small, but thriving and engaging cultural climate.
The greatest adjustment to college was social life. I knew it would be different, but did not realize how difficult the change would be. I struggled much of Fall Quarter to find a group of peers I felt comfortable with. My haughty attitude did not make finding friends any easier.
Adopting a modest attitude was the only way I would ever enjoy college. I focused on just being friendly and welcoming. Everything from social gatherings to meals in the dining hall is more enjoyable when you are not a malicious evaluator. My change in attitude has been a difficult transition, but the most worthwhile lesson I learned.
With finals ominously looming, I rifle through my notes and revisit important concepts I learned this quarter. The facts I cram into my head will trickle into my mental reservoir, but I will not allow the most important lesson of this year, the realization that I am far from perfect, to wander the depths of my mind.
Gabe Weinstein is a freshman studying journalism and Monday columnist for The Post. Send him your freshman year memories at gw711008@ohiou.edu
4 Opinion
Gabe Weinstein
