September 11, 2014
Before even being admitted to college, admissions offices across the country are putting us into categories. They judge us based on test scores, GPAs, disciplinary reports, volunteerism and athleticism, then label us based on these simplified versions of ourselves. The designation of scholar, philanthropist, athlete, author or activist—among many others—is thrust upon each of us, and we are expected to adhere to those titles to fill the mold and play our part. This branding amplifies as we step on campus. Upperclassmen automatically place us into specific cliques: the bookworms, jocks, underachievers, hipsters and many more denominations. At this point, who we claim or yearn to be is deemed insignificant in comparison to the already established caste system.
Hamilton is different from most colleges in that it supports a broad and open curriculum, which allows students to test the waters before choosing their concentration. We are given the freedom to pick which classes to take and what clubs to join. However, in a society valuing certain professions over others and asking students to determine their life goals at a young age, we are pressured into taking classes which will ultimately make us unhappy, but successful. In other words, first-years ask themselves what degree will give them the most lucrative job. These are the universal concerns all college students share. Yet, first-years are pulled into a world full of new prospects and adventures, in which we are ignorant. We yearn to explore, create, wander and get lost, but these curiosities are stifled by our awareness that taking a Women’s Studies class does not contribute to becoming an engineer. Learning German is not a necessary life skill in becoming an artist. We know that in order to secure a profitable job after college—in order to be successful—we have to start college with the right classes and the best connections.
While choosing our futures based on external pressures, we also go through the complexities of building friendships and falling in love. Without a doubt, orientation was an extended ice-breaker. Between mandatory dinners and games of Ninja, we were trying our best to learn each other’s names, find friends who had similar tastes and maintain friendships from pre-orientation and summer programs. It is emotionally taxing to find compatible friends when we are not even sure who we are ourselves. It is difficult for some first-years to find instant connections. Usually, these are the people who search for acceptance rather than mere companionship. The search for friendship is not always successful within the first few weeks of school. Although some blame it on a lack of social skills or ambition, it is not a lost cause which others should pity; it just means that, for the time being, some first-years find Netflix a better companion.
Then, there is love. Instantaneous physical connections between two hormonal teenagers are common in college; however, some confuse lust for love, tiptoing to a late-night rendezvous or prowling the campus for prospective suitors. While many indulge in these acts, other students seriously question if love can survive on a college campus. Upperclassmen have warned time and time again that relationships just do not work here; Hamilton is too small and nothing is private. Some of us come here swooning and faithful, but this negative assertion leaves us confused and somewhat delirious. There are some who honestly do not care about love or hooking-up and may actually be the lucky ones. However, the majority of students want someone to love them, even if we haven’t learned to love ourselves.
Personally, I am deeply scared. There are no true guidelines on how to maneuver through college life, whom to be friends with, which classes are the most beneficial or how to find love. Upperclassmen probably went through the same phase of uncertainty and Netflix-binging, and now it’s our turn.
The pressure of finding the best path and the right connections, all while keeping your sanity, is a lot to ask from a first-year, especially when you are still trying to figure out the person you want to be. We aren’t sure if it’s okay to be homesick already or if the lightside-darkside rivalry is real. I don’t think any of us are truly ready to face these challenges, even though we know that one day we will have to step up and try to find a space where we can belong.
No comments yet.
Comment Guidelines
Please log in to post a comment