University of Virginia Library

Parting Shots

The "parting shots" of the
retiring CD staff were certainly
well-written; the right words
were in the right places and
much of what was said was
meaningful, in a depressing
sort of way. I would agree that
college is not all it is made out
to be and that, yes, there does
seem to be an impressive
number of "uncommitted
clowns" walking around (and
sleeping late).

But there is a saying that
has kept me going when I think
of my own learning experience
– "you get out what you put
in." Old, of course; trite,
maybe. Yet is it untrue? I
know what I put into college
and every once in a while, I
catch a glimpse of what I get
out. What's important,
however, is that the
uncommitted clowns don't
bother me – in fact, I like the
ones I know. They are getting
something from their four
years here, exactly what only
they can tell you. Perhaps the
academic atmosphere would be
more pervasive if they weren't
here, but I for one am glad it
isn't. College isn't all academics
nor even learning.

I think what I miss most in
these articles is the absence of
fun, of having enjoyed doing
those things only a college
student has the freedom, and
maybe the gall, to do. All very
passe, I guess, but I will never
take myself so seriously as to
disdain simple enjoyment,
especially now.

So I will continue to wear
my khakis and top-siders and
wear his (or her) jeans and will
leave the analysis of my
learning experience at UVA for
much later, when I hope to
have the sense to know exactly
what it was.