COLUMN: College experience not just academics

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by Tony Tran

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As a co-adviser at Jones College this year, I've had the distinct pleasure of watching 100 freshmen undergo the rituals of O-Week.

I've helped some of them plan their academic schedules this year. I've sat with them, looking at what classes they've chosen and helping them pick out the "right" courses. I've taken them to divisional advisors and woken them up for placement examinations.

But one thing that I want to make clear not only to them, but to all the freshmen on campus is that the mythical "college experience" encompasses not only the academic side but also the fun, the extracurricular and the personal sides.

Don't get me wrong -- I am not downplaying the importance of your academics. After all, this is your future we're talking about, right?

So work as hard as you can on your grades. All I ask is that between cramming for the Big Three or writing a paper for an academ class, find an activity that you enjoy.

Should your time at Rice be limited to classes and the library? Heck, no! For the vast majority of freshmen, you're now living away from your parents. This means freedom.

Freedom to abandon any or all of your previous beliefs, freedom to question any institution you once had faith in or freedom to control your life and to point it in the direction that you want to go.

Get involved in something you like or something you believe in. Be it RSVP, the Thresher , the club soccer team, Campus Crusade, whatever -- just give yourself an opportunity to grow on the personal level, outside of classes.

Take classes that you enjoy and want to take. Don't feel pressured to take classes to fulfill your major.

Don't let Orientation Week end after tomorrow. Have a good time at school and keep meeting new people.

Meet people on the other side of classes. Heck, meet me.

Tony Tran is a Will Rice College senior and one of two sports editors of the Thresher.

This item appeared in the Opinion section of the August 25, 1995 issue.

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