Editor recounts ULV lessons
Campus Times
December 11, 1998
I was told I could not write a "goodbye" last column. Of course,
I enjoy defying rules and causing upheaval, so this is my "goodbye"
column.
Just kidding. Sort of. Every year, before my friends and I go home for
the treacherous summers, where it is back to parents nagging and college
gossip withdrawals, I e-mail a "What I learned this year" message
to my closest friends.
Sadly enough, yet excitingly, I will not be here for that end of the
year inspirational note. Instead I will be in Greece studying abroad.
My friend, Mish, insists that I continue this tradition, although earlier.
So the following are my words of wisdom reflecting on the last three years
at ULV.
I came to this school alone and stepped completely out of my comfort
zone. I could be who I wanted to be, with no misconceptions or first impressions.
With the adjustment to college life, I lost touch with old friends and
met many new people. I would not exactly call them all friends. In the beginning
everyone was a "friend," but the going got tough and the real
friends got tougher.
Although I am still gullible and believe most anything, I am wary of
whom I trust.
Remembering Camp Pilgrim Pines and the first few weeks of school reminds
me of everyone's vulnerability. We all walked around La Verne with little
smiles on our faces. It became understood who had the real smiles and whose
were fake.
I figured out my real friends are the ones that listen and the ones
that I know I can call any hour, any day, for anything.
I have also learned that if I do not want anyone in my business at ULV,
I tell no one, except Jaime, my best friend.
I have accepted ULV as being a miniature soap opera and I admit I am
part of it. That is OK, though, because with the gossip worth knowing, I
differentiate truth from lies by asking that person directly.
Over the past few years, we have had our flings with the La Verne boys.
Mish, Katerina, Kelly and Jaime, I know that we put ourselves in situations
that hurt our hearts and strain our brains, but we are good people. We have
strong souls and good intentions and one day, we will find contentment.
And then we can look back and laugh (as if we do not now) at all these bleeps
that screwed us over.
It is strange to think when I thought of college boys, I pictured MEN
in polo shirts and sweaters with glasses, real intelligent, interesting
and mature. Funny thing is, they looked exactly like the guys I went to
high school with.
I have come to the conclusion (even more so than in high school) that
friends are the most important thing and boys should never get in between
that. They do not matter. They are not the ones that will be there for me
when I need them.
I figured out college is not that hard, just time-consuming, and requires
effort and determination. It is not about being "smart," it is
about being motivated.
I learned getting involved and taking the lead is the only way I will
get what I want out of life. I stopped waiting for things to happen and
started making it happen. I realized I am in control of my own destiny.
I can only work on myself and hope that others do the same.
There are few teachers in life that leave a lasting impression. Those
are not the ones who give the As, the ones who give the hardest tests, nor
are they the ones who have a doctorate from Stanford. The impressionable
teacher is the one who not only taught me the most effectively, but was
my friend and mentor also.
Also, I have learned to really appreciate my family because I know they
will always be there for me. Unlike buddies from high school, I do not have
to keep in touch to pick up right where I left off.
College taught me to appreciate my mom's rules and her concern even
if she was overbearing. Curfews kept me out of trouble and allowed time
for sleep.
I thought that after college I would be so smart and know so much. After
three years I am smarter, but it is not because of the teachers, or the
books or the grades. No, it was the experiences and the connections that
were made at this little college with big opportunities that caused me to
grow. For that I am grateful.
Jennifer Parsons, a junior journalism major, is editor in chief of
the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at parsonsj@ulv.edu.
