First Semester: Emotional Roller Coaster?

So first semester is over, and if someone asked me what I learned, there are a number of ways I could respond.

But before I go into that, I’d like to start off by saying that it’s been a ride. I mean, all of us came in with our own perceptions of what college might be like, but now we all know what it actually IS like. Some of us like it. Some of us probably don’t. But in the end were all here for the same reason: to have a good time.

But seriously, let’s face it. The four years you spend in college should be the best ones of your life; at least that’s what I’ve been told. “Develop social skills and meet new people” is the mission that I was sent on. In fact, one of the most profound pieces of advice I’ve ever received came from my uncle, a man who has enjoyed enormous financial success while holding a degree from Ohio State, a school not known for its academic prestige. He told me, “get good grades, but whatever you do, make sure that you don’t spend all your time studying. Its critical to have a good time, because not a day goes by where I don’t want to be back in Columbus (Ohio). If you spend all four years trying to get straight A’s, by the time you graduate you’ll look around and ask yourself, ‘when does the fun start?’ and next thing you know you’ll have a desk job somewhere.”

My uncle’s words stick with me, and there are many instances where I refer to them for guidance. But that being said, first semester has been a lot of work. More work, in fact, than I initially thought it would be. But, sure enough, I found a way to get most of it done while still having fun.

Dorm life has been cool. Sometimes it’s hard living so closely with so many other guys, but I’ve gotten used to it and it has its perks. I was pleasantly surprised with the dorm food here at Mizzou, and also I’ve learned to appreciate the great facilities and resources available to MU students.

That being said, I feel like I’m ready to move out of the dorms. I’ve gotten my fair share of Mark Twain, and while I have grown fond of the people in Twain, I am genuinely excited to move into the frat house.

So, in a word, first semester has been a “transition”. While I have enjoyed my time here, I feel as though I haven’t really gotten started at Mizzou yet. Finals are not yet over, and I am eager to get into the Greek life experience. So, what have I learned? That college is about balance. Balance between your schoolwork and social life. Balance as in your checking account balance, which is dismally small. Balance between you and your roommate. It’s all about balance. And I believe if I can find the right balance, I’m going to have a solid good time at Mizzou.

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~ by jameskarabas on December 16, 2009.