Weekend column: First quarter of college full of lessons - Sunday, December 14, 2008 | Courier Electronic Edition

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Sunday, December 14, 2008

Weekend column: First quarter of college full of lessons

By BAILEY SHOEMAKER-RICHARDS

As my first quarter of true college life came to an end, I reflected on a lot of the things I have learned. Most of them have not been in a classroom, although that is not to say I haven't been learning a lot there, too. So much has gone on in 10 short weeks that I feel like I have lived here in Athens for 10 years. A lot of the things I've learned apply pretty specifically to college students, but some of the lessons apply to basically everyone.

People don't grow up. Most college freshmen are still in the mindset of high school seniors: they don't want to work, they want the world handed to them on a plate and they want it all to be easy, quick and painless. Most college freshmen have learned some pretty painful lessons about what college professors expect.

A lot of college juniors and seniors are still in that mindset, somehow scraping by. There is just as much drama in college as in high school. People don't change.

Not all college professors expect something from you. I have one class in particular where the professor basically expects students to fail. She sets us up for success quite well, basically giving out answers to tests the day before we have them, but there is no mandatory attendance policy. The responsibility is placed entirely on the head of the student. That's pretty cool.

However, most college professors do expect something from you. They expect you to show up to class, have the material read, turn in your papers on time and participate in discussions. Those classes are the hardest, the kind you leave with a headache, but they are also the classes that end up being your favorite because you learn so much.

You will learn, whether you like it or not. Even if the majority of your education happens outside the classroom, it's impossible to be on a college campus and not learn something about human nature, especially your own.

College is nowhere near as hard — or as easy — as people like to make it out. This one probably doesn't make much sense at face value, but work with me. College work might be harder than what a student is used to, but there is a lot more time to get all of the work done. Not having the exact same schedule every day allows us as students to plan our studying accordingly, and gives us a lot of freedom. That does open the door to some spectacular procrastination, but the all-nighter stories are some of the best.

You don't have to drink to have fun. I have been on Ohio University's campus since September and I haven't gone to any parties, but I'm still having the time of my life. Even though OU, and every other college, happens to be a party school, that's not all that goes on. All you have to do is find the right people at the right time, or even just do something by yourself. There is always something fun going on around campus.

Few things are more fun than running around shooting people with Nerf guns at all hours of the day and night. This one might be specific to a few colleges and universities, but it's definitely true. The game called Humans vs. Zombies is a week-long event in which about 600 people on OU's campus split into two groups and see if any humans can survive a zombie apocalypse. I have never had more fun in my life, and I met some of my best friends on campus through getting out and playing.

College is one of the most fun things you could ever do with your life. If you work it right, by which I mean applying to your life that policy of working hard before playing hard, then nothing can stop you from enjoying the college experience. I'm home for a six-week break, which makes my mom happy, but I know that I'll spend most of it missing all of the people and places I've come to love.

Bailey Shoemaker Richards is a freshman at Ohio University and a 2008 graduate of Findlay High School.

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LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...

Kyle wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

To Tim

It's a very good possibility that a plow with it's blade up was not a City of Findlay plow. Many people have their own plows and...

2/9/2010 1:17:57 PM

SNOW REMOVAL wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

SNOW REMOVAL

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE SNOW REMOVAL CALL MIKE (419) 236-9474...NO NEED TO PICK UP A SHOVEL OR CRANK UP THE SNOWBLOWER...

2/9/2010 12:42:55 PM

HLB wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

That's really sad...

You know, people are rude enough most of the time in this city and this last storm when random folks pulled together and I saw t...

2/9/2010 12:32:18 PM

rob wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

pile of snow

I cannot believe someone would call up and complain that a pile of snnow was blocking their view. What is this world coming to....

2/9/2010 11:38:49 AM

tim wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

put the blades down this time

Can someone please tell me why I see and saw several snowplows driving down streets that needed plowed with the blades up?

2/9/2010 10:39:25 AM

Jimbo wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":

To Debbie..

I want to express that I understand where you are going with your post, but be practical. If a level 3 is called, that means no...

2/9/2010 10:35:28 AM

Steve wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":

unknown

That would be a personal responsibility choice. We all know what the winter situation is in NW Ohio and we all should be prepar...

2/9/2010 9:56:48 AM

J wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":

Citizen........

Findlay is located in Hancock County..... Therefore, yes. If Hancock Co goes into a level 3 that includes Findlay....

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Debbie wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":

Level 3

Weathertech09~ would you like the hospital to be closed because no one is there to care for you or a loved one due to being cite...

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STEVE wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":

LEVEL 3

Citizen, Is the City of Findlay in Hancock County? I believe the article ref all the cars stuck in the snow Barker specifically...

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News Briefs D.C. trip delayed
A trip to Washington, D.C. that Findlay and Ottawa officials were planning to make this week has been postponed because of the inclement weather.

Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert said officials have rescheduled the trip for Feb. 23 to meet with a lobbying group and congressional representatives regarding federal spending on flood control projects.

Fostoria requires clearing sidewalks
FOSTORIA -- Fostoria residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours of a storm, according to police Capt. Patrick Brooks.

The city code covers residential owners or tenants, and business owners of properties which abut a sidewalk.

An offense is a minor misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $100. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

Library in Forest reschedules event
FOREST -- Because of the expected inclement weather, the Forest-Jackson Public Library has rescheduled its Valentine luncheon planned for Thursday to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Reservations are required. Anyone with questions can call the library at 419-273-2400.

Disc golf tourney set for Saturday
The Ray Heverling Charity Ice Bowl Tournament has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverbend Recreation Area, off Ohio 568 east of Findlay.

Registration begins at noon.

The tournament was canceled last Saturday because of a snowstorm.

The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

For more information contact Nathan Buck at p_nate@thecatalystcc.com or 419-306-7405. Entry fee is $20. Additional donations are accepted.

Housing Authority meeting postponed
Because of an expected winter storm this week, the Hancock Metropolitan Housing Authority has canceled its regular board meeting scheduled for Thursday. It will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Family Center.

Fostoria library to close Monday
FOSTORIA -- Kaubisch Memorial Public Library will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.

Crime Of The Week
Findlay/Hancock County Crime Stoppers is looking for information about a break-in at the Arlington Pharmacy, 200 Main St., at 12:51 a.m. Dec. 28.

A glass pane in the front door of the business was shattered, and entry was made. Once inside, the perpetrators took prescription medications and fled on foot.

Two white males were seen running from the business. The males were possibly in their late teens to early 20s, and possibly entered a vehicle.

People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.

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Sunday, December 14, 2008

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