2008 Woodie Awards
Editorial
Have fun, be safe
Issue date: 9/7/07 Section: Opinions
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Dear Class of 2011,
By now, after almost too many orientation meetings and events, we hope you've settled in and are starting to feel at home on Mayflower Hill. But in all honesty, that's probably not really possible.
We know you most likely had a longer and more intense orientation program than your high school friends at other schools. We know it's a relatively small campus and that you might already know your way around pretty well. We know you might have a close group of friends from COOT. However, it is still only the first real week of your first year at college. The start of your first classes is an unsettling reality check. You have a long way to go, and overindulging yourself won't help.
Consider this a friendly reminder from some upperclassmen who were in your shoes as recently as a year ago: Colby is great, but it's even better without warnings from Security and health center visits. Even before classes started, several students had been taken to the hospital or the health center-this is a very scary fact. Practice safe behavior this weekend, and if you are going to drink make sure someone is keeping an eye on you and make sure you are keeping an eye on your friends.
Most of you are adults now. You have proven that you are capable of accomplishing great things and have demonstrated character in your high school years. Don't let yourself down. Chances are, there are people making sacrifices so that you can be here. Don't let it be in vain. You are responsible for the steps you take now, and alcohol or any other drug cannot change that. While a great amount of the independence you've been given allows you to control yourself and accept the repercussions, don't fool yourself into thinking you are the only one who is affected by your decisions.
You have four years to experience all Colby has to offer, and that certainly includes a vibrant social life. Don't feel the need to cram four years of these experiences into your first month at school. College is a marathon, not a sprint.
By now, after almost too many orientation meetings and events, we hope you've settled in and are starting to feel at home on Mayflower Hill. But in all honesty, that's probably not really possible.
We know you most likely had a longer and more intense orientation program than your high school friends at other schools. We know it's a relatively small campus and that you might already know your way around pretty well. We know you might have a close group of friends from COOT. However, it is still only the first real week of your first year at college. The start of your first classes is an unsettling reality check. You have a long way to go, and overindulging yourself won't help.
Consider this a friendly reminder from some upperclassmen who were in your shoes as recently as a year ago: Colby is great, but it's even better without warnings from Security and health center visits. Even before classes started, several students had been taken to the hospital or the health center-this is a very scary fact. Practice safe behavior this weekend, and if you are going to drink make sure someone is keeping an eye on you and make sure you are keeping an eye on your friends.
Most of you are adults now. You have proven that you are capable of accomplishing great things and have demonstrated character in your high school years. Don't let yourself down. Chances are, there are people making sacrifices so that you can be here. Don't let it be in vain. You are responsible for the steps you take now, and alcohol or any other drug cannot change that. While a great amount of the independence you've been given allows you to control yourself and accept the repercussions, don't fool yourself into thinking you are the only one who is affected by your decisions.
You have four years to experience all Colby has to offer, and that certainly includes a vibrant social life. Don't feel the need to cram four years of these experiences into your first month at school. College is a marathon, not a sprint.
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