Column:
College exploration: MU 1010
Published Aug. 25, 2009
To the freshmen and new students of the University of Missouri: Welcome to the best university in the world. By enrolling at MU, you have separated yourself from the Kansas Jayhawks, which should not be a proper noun, given that they are everything but proper. This is essential to ensuring you are a human being.
To returning students: Welcome back! I know you have missed all the traditions and quirks of MU, such as the excitement that is Homecoming weekend and a guy running around in a life-sized banana costume being chased by another guy in a giant gorilla suit. Events like those make MU stand out from the rest of the pack.
That being said, it's important that you make the most of your time at MU, whether this is your first week here or your last year before you graduate.
The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to get involved. I'll say it again: Get involved. Whether it's with athletics, services, clubs or organizations, there is something for almost everyone. There is never a night without an event of some sort. And if by chance there is not a single organization on campus that fits your taste, you can start your own with relative ease.
Studies have shown that students who are involved with their school do better in classes and are more likely to graduate. There is simply no excuse for being the person who goes to class and then just sits in their room for the rest of the time.
Second, support your school. I have never seen a school with more spirit, and nothing is more invigorating than being a part of that. Wear black and gold with pride at every opportunity, especially on game days. Go to at least one football game - preferably Homecoming or the Kansas game - to support your fellow Tigers.
MU football games are truly an experience like none other and graduating without having been to a single game is, in a word, unfortunate. If football isn't your sport, this year's MU basketball team is looking like the best we have had in years and the tickets for those games tend to be relatively inexpensive.
Focus on your academics. Challenge yourself to a GPA goal you know will be difficult but attainable. Go to class. I mean it. Go to class. Going to class means you have to study less and have time for more enjoyable activities, such as the aforementioned football games. Make time to go to office hours, if for nothing else than to introduce yourself to your professors. Most professors are more than happy to help you prepare for their midterm or even their final as long as you demonstrate your interest in doing well in their class.
Finally, take care of yourself. Take advantage of our b-e-a-utiful Student Recreation Complex and all the facilities and classes it affords to students. Especially for students living on campus, there really is no reason to not utilize the Rec to its - and your - fullest potential. Also, eat well. The dining halls have a multitude of healthy options, as well as unhealthy options, and no one is going to tell you what to eat. But trust me when I say a double cheeseburger and fries everyday will not bode well for your waistline. The "Mizzou 22" is no urban legend, that's for sure.
I am extremely excited to be working with The Maneater this semester. I hope the rest of the MU population is similarly excited about something upcoming. With that being said, I will jump off my soapbox and get back to setting up my room.
