Reality Check

I'm sitting here in my dorm right now, and I am in a very strange mood. On the one hand, I am so anxious to go home and so anxious for summer to be here. On the other hand, I kind of enjoy life in college, and I am not totally sure I want to leave.

I am also icing my left knee. Even though my right knee has hurt almost all week, the left one went and protested after last night's race. So now that knee hurts in the exact same spot as the right one did on Monday. Nice.

Speaking of that race last night, I actually ended up taking second. I ran a 17:49*, so it was a respectable 5k time. I forgot how badly those hurt. In my head, I was picturing a nice easy 3 mile run (as opposed to my usual longer distances)

Anyways, I lost to a guy from St. Louis...and I am so proud of myself. See, about an hour before the race I went to my girlfriends art show, and they always have free candy. I took this opportunity to indulge in Reese's, M+Ms, Skittles, Dove chocolate, and all the other sweet goodness that I believe may be necessary for my life. I was feeling great until just a little before the race, when the buzz wore off a little and I wanted to sleep.

So sugar binge notwithstanding, I ran a pretty decent time. I just hope my knee(s) get(s) better soon so I can get back to running with a vengeance. Swimming back and forth in the pool is getting old.

Ok, you may be wondering about the title of this post (and if I am even capable of acknowledging "reality", but we'll deal with that later). What I wanted to talk about was the differences between what colleges say and what they mean. You see, everyone who comes on the little tour or looks at a college website is bombarded with images and slogans. Tour guides have buzzwords, admissions people know the right phrases, and as students we are continually subjected to these ideas.

But we know the truth. We live here. We go to class, eat the food, etc.

So here is a quick guide to what it actually means when colleges say:

1- "Diverse Academic Programs/ Wide Range of Academics/ Opportunities to Succeed/ Flexible Majors/"

While this may initially sound promising (we all want a range of classes), this usually means that they offer classes in absolutely everything, whether or not you actually need it. Astronomy? They have it. Basket weaving? Check. Racquetball? Yup...it even has a final. SCUBA diving? Of course.

2- "Public Affairs Mission"

This is all we hear at my school. What it actually means is that everything is very very very political, because that is where we get lots of our money. It also means we have to take really stupid classes to satisfy this "mission".

3- "Concerned Teachers/ Friendly Professors"

I am sure every university says this. It's true that each one has nice teachers, but you may very well never have a class with a good one. In fact, most teachers are just "normal" with a couple great ones and a couple awful ones thrown in to keep things "diverse". Personally, I think this is part of our public affairs "mission".

4- Low Tuition Rates

This could mean several things:

a) Tuition is actually kind of a good deal (unlikely)

b) Room, Board, and Student Fees are all outrageous (rather likely)

c) Low student amenities

d) Any combination thereof.

5- "Regional Student Center"

If your school tells you that many students come from close around, it also means that they have a ton of students go home every weekend. Have you ever seen Saturday night dinner in the cafeteria? Let's just say it's not really the place to be...

Anyways, the point to remember is this:

Colleges are businesses!

With some exceptions (Ivy League schools, etc), most colleges want you to come to their university. Getting in is not that difficult. They want your money. They will tell you what you want to hear.

To find out what a University is really like, ask a student.

DISCLAIMER: Not just any student, ask someone you trust. Sadly, lots of people have rotten attitudes and won't tell you the truth. My school is a pretty great place, but lots of people forget that and get caught up in "college world".

It's important every now and then to get away, go for a run, take a drive, see the rest of the world. It's important to spend time away from college and college students.

It's good to take some time for a little reality check.