12 things every freshman must know
      by Robin


         Wednesday, June 11, 2003 11:31


     A word of advice for this year’s slew of Freshmen…
 Moving away to school can be an adjustment for anyone. Just ask me. I was a Freshman just last year. And while some would argue I should still be a Freshmen, because I am such a neophyte at everything of worth and/or importance, I have moved on to Sophomore-hood. This year I am new to being an upperclassman. Whichever name I get called, it means I am new at something. So I just can’t win at this…at least not until next year…so in some ways I am in the boat floating next to you guys…only mine is an ocean liner full of other upperclassmen to make fun of me when they are tired of blaming you for everything…

 So here is my advice for what it is worth to you. I figured you would rather hear it from someone who has just survived it rather than an old ranter like…. *clears throat*  

  1. You are a Freshman. Don’t fight it. It’s okay.
     

  1. If something goes wrong you will be blamed for it.
     

  1. If, by accident, you do something right the upperclassmen have the right to take credit for it. This is not negotiable.
     

  1. Regardless of how much you try not to look like a Freshman, they know…they always know.
     

  1. Just because you are a Freshman doesn’t mean you can’t socialize. Freshman can’t do a lot of things by default but socializing is okay. Don’t know anyone? Get out and meet your neighbors! They won’t bite and if they do…well that is what your health fee is for!
     

  1. There is nothing to do in Arkadelphia. (Jay's note: not true, read my first rant) You have been forewarned. You absolutely must not let that force you home on the weekends like I did. You will be teased and made fun of. (Don’t fret- it didn’t stop me from becoming a sophomore and living in the dorms!) If you need something to do, talk to your neighbors. (Unless they bit you…well now you could stop by and see if they had their medication just to be polite) Seriously, fun can be made even if you are the butt of the joke. (Take it from someone who knows)
     

  1. Involvement= survival. If you are involved on campus in some way you are more likely to want to come back for future semesters. Give a part of yourself to your school. (I mean more than your bank account and any limbs or small children you may have access to) If you do something for your school it will do something for you! (you may just earn that degree after all!) It just feels good!
     

  1. Involvement=survival. Yes, not only was this piece of advice important for #7, but it goes for #8 as well. Another way of approaching getting involved is realizing you will undoubtedly meet people and if you keep going back (whether you’re bored or looking for a good time). You might make a friend or two that you could hang out with on the weekends! If you go home just think of all of the future friends you are cheating yourself of! *sniff*
     

  1. While it may sound corny to you now about being a Reddie and going to the school with a heart just know it is a place where you can feel like you are a person rather than a number. (funny- everytime I need to do something important on campus my name isn’t good enough for those computers….Okay, so you’re still a number. )Get over it. They must keep track of you some how. Would you rather have a shock collar or be branded with a barcode?
     

  1. #10 is a tease. Get used teases of this nature. Besides that, they are hilarious. Still stumped? Freshman….oh wait another tease…this is fun! I had better stop before I enjoy myself.
     

  1. Don’t complain about being a Freshman. You chose to go to college so be a Freshman you must. Besides that, no one is listening anyway (If you are whining that is). But if you do have a problem adjusting it is perfectly okay to ask your uppers for advice and vent some of your frustrations. They can give you good ideas for dealing and they are proof that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
     

  1. Just when you get used to being a Freshman your first year will be over. It will be chocked full of new experiences that you will treasure and loathe for a lifetime. Hopefully more treasured experiences than loathed ones…

 Enjoy the ride.
 Still to come…generally known facts about Henderson that every Freshman must learn for campus survival and acceptance.

       Robin- not a Freshman just a neophyte