Live Your Life — The Total College Experience

By Jomain McKenzie

College (n): the land of over-sized books, two-hour exams, purse-draining bills and fees, itty-bitty dorm rooms, gross roommates and nutty professors, and boring classes at the crack of dawn. I kid you not, this was the only definition I could cite my freshman year.

After a solid year inside the halls of East Central University, Ada, Okla., I have come to realize that college life has so much more to offer. There is work, but there is an exciting social aspect, too. A number of varied clubs and societies can be found on every college campus. The possibilities are limitless and students can find a club for every personality type in the book. Yes, if you thought for a second that you were uniquely different - there are others in your shoes and a club for you all, too. This side of college provides an enriching interactive adventure for students.

Most universities give students an opportunity to break from the strict routine courses directly linked to their discipline. These are called free electives. College isn’t just about prepping you for that dream job. You should be a better person in the end. So learn to draw, to play basketball, to dance, to sing, to play an instrument or even learn to bowl - many colleges offer these as courses. Yes, who would’ve thought? Bear in mind too, friends, that employers want an all-rounder, not a bookworm.

Did someone talk about international field trips? Say bye to visits to local parks and factories, as the high school custom was. Study-abroad trips and visits are common in the university environment. The benefits of these are endless and the scope for fun and learning is invaluable.
Enjoy some theatre, go to the local dance productions, see the college bands perform and view some funky art. The average person doesn’t get exposed enough to this cultural side of life. Take advantage of these opportunities whenever they arise.

What else is there to do in college? Many will agree that athletics is the thread that brings a college community together. As a college student, you cannot afford to miss out on the excitement and school spirit that sporting events stimulate. Did someone say football season? Anybody who is somebody never misses a game. Attend the games. Join in the hype, cheers and revelry. Don’t be the party pooper, either. Yes, college is about the books, but no one should miss out on the fun.

The exciting life of Greek societies is another alternative to being buried in the books. Fraternities and sororities can provide you with an all-access pass into the most happening social events. College can be lonely, so bah humbug to the Greek stereotypes. The frat experience makes you meet new people, build networks, and form friendships that could last a lifetime.

The key to surviving college is prioritizing and balancing your time. The diploma is always at the top of the list. Who wants to be in college for more than four or five years? So not cool!
Just remember, too much work and no play makes Jack and Jill dull and unemployable children. Embrace your new independence, but please stay focused. Dropping out is not cool.
Don’t be afraid to live the true college life. You won’t know until you try. Give college a chance and embrace the total experience. Application forms, anyone?

Jomain McKenzie is a 20-year-old mass communication major (advertising and PR) at East Central University in Ada, Okla. He is originally from Clarendon, Jamaica. He is minoring in theater.

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