I recently read an op-ed in Miami University’s student-run newspaper by Brad Kent with the seriously ostentatious headline “Students should respect the Miami stereotype, embrace its reputation.”
Mr. Kent’s position seemed to be that Miami is not only better than all Ohio schools, it is better than all colleges across the nation.
I don’t know about all of that. But I do know that Ohio University is an insanely awesome institution and we don’t need to call ourselves the best (even though we are) to feel good about ourselves. We have other things going on. Here are some reasons it rocks to be a Bobcat!
First, we are compassionate.
Our very own student organization Students Teaching Against Racism recently went viral with their “We’re a culture, not a costume” campaign. How awesome is that? The Huffington Post picked up that story. Super awesome!
Every day, it seems, new service and reform organizations are springing up across campus such as the newly formed Students for Education Reform – OU chapter. You should check them out, but I know you will because you are an OU student!
Second, we kick butt academically.
Our E.W. Scripps School of Journalism routinely ranks as one of the top J-schools in the nation. Our sport management program is great. We are also home to the one-of-a-kind Honors Tutorial College. And as far as rhetoric? Our forensics team takes home national awards every year.
Third, we get really excited when cool, new things happen.
At OU, we enjoy the little things. Earlier this year, a video of our football team receiving new jerseys went viral. Why? Because the nation was impressed with our child-like enthusiasm and befuddled by a college football team acting like kids on Christmas.
The students of OU weren’t befuddled. We act like that on the reg.
Fourth, we know how to have a good time.
Sure, from time to time, we have a little too much fun. But most of the time, the students of OU are generally fun-loving, happy-go-lucky party-goers. There’s nothing wrong with that. There is a reason why our Halloween party is nationally known. It’s not because of the great trick-or-treating.
Also, a couple of weeks ago, a video of our Marching 110 performing the Party Rock Anthem went viral. At the very least, we know how to get down.
Because OU has a very vocal student body, it often appears that we are disgruntled with our college experience. I don’t think that is true.
I think our frustration, our fear of complacency, and our skeptical attitude show just how much we care about our university. We want our institution to be the best it can be, to be a one-of-a-kind experience, and to be a positive force in the community.
Well, Bobcats, be proud. We achieve all of those goals on a daily basis.
Spencer Smith is a junior studying English.
