Travis Marmon Ian Benson Editors-in-Chief Anya Cohen
Managing Editor
The sound of bagpipes waft through the Oak Grove. President Cornwell has nearly run you over in his Vespa. McGaw Chapel is still ugly. Another school year is upon us. And with a new year comes new students, new experiences and new awkward interactions. As seniors and editors of The Wooster Voice, we have plenty of advice that we wish we had received during our first three years of college. We hope you find them helpful and avoid some of our past mistakes.
First-years:
If you’re wondering how everyone has so easily identified you as a first-year, look no further than the lanyard around your neck. It’s not fashionable, and it is a dead giveaway that you have no idea what you’re doing — even more so than the lost look on your face. Put your COW Card in your pocket.
You see those desks in the library with names on them? Those are Senior I.S. carrels, and they are designated spaces for those students. The library is huge. You do not need to steal a carrel.
We’ve noticed that some of you have a tendency to stand in long lines for food that you may not even like. Pro-tip: all campus dining menus are available online. You’d be surprised how many people don’t know this. However, even then, sometimes they lie, so look at the food before you get in line for it.
Your first year is when you pay your dues. You will have a few bad classes, an unfortunate living space and a lot of bad experiences with alcohol. It’s all part of the process to work your way up the ladder. Just understand that upperclassmen were like you once, and things got better for them.
Finally, look at the people that you’re sitting with right now. Chances are, you won’t be making eye contact with them in two years. One of them will probably transfer. The first few weeks of school are an uncomfortable time, but the friends you make in clubs, your hallway and in the classroom can last you a lifetime. Don’t force people to be your friend just because you sat next to them.
Sophomores:
You are no longer new here. You know what you’re doing, but you don’t have the burden of Junior or Senior I.S. This is the most fun you’ll have in college, so enjoy it. It’s the perfect year to find yourself and to realize who your best friends are. Start thinking now about whether you want to go abroad, but remember that if you don’t, it’s not a big deal. And please consider taking Junior I.S. next fall — the semester between projects will be heavenly.
Juniors:
It’s cheesy, but it’s not too late to find something new. Pick up a minor, join a new club, come copy edit for the Voice — you’re not as stuck as you think you are. Enjoy the last I.S. Monday that isn’t about you, because next year you won’t remember a thing if you do it right.
While we totally understand and sympathize how much it blows that some of your closest friends are surely abroad, don’t let that stop you from having a great year. Make some new friends — keep in mind, the underclassmen you befriend now make for great people to hug at your I.S.Monday parade.
Seniors:
We all know someone who surprised us by passing I.S. — you too will join the ranks of those who crawled their way through the I.S. Monday parade and took full advantage of tent party — an open bar on the College’s dollar.