Katie Goddeyne
A Bit of Reality

Every year, I am amazed by how quickly Grand Junction makes the transition from small city to college town. I go to bed and my neighborhood seems normal and quiet. I can see the lights of Colorado Mesa University from my front steps.
The next morning, the town is crawling with freshmen and all of their family; moms, dads, siblings, aunts, uncles, second cousins, whatever they could scrounge up.
By the following Monday, my street is filled with cars owned by strangers who are clearly color-blind. My driveway, not unlike others near CMU, is painted with red paint, as a warning. Although the paint is screaming out: “Don’t park here you’ll get a ticket,” I can see windshields with pink envelopes littering the street.
The freshmen can be spotted walking to the gas station at midnight, learning to long board, and playing Frisbee, a game that has always eluded me. They are ready for class with all of their new notebooks, and highlighters and pens that were most likely bought for them by their parents.
The sophomores have realized that trying to fit in doesn’t help you to actually fit in. They remember their freshman blunders and have finally learned that college isn’t really like Animal House.
Juniors are essentially walking CMU zombies. The excitement of college has worn off, you know what’s expected of you, and the end isn’t in sight just yet.  I feel your pain juniors; I’ve been there. On the bright side, your classes actually pertain to your major and there is a chance you will truly enjoy attending them.
Seniors have one thing and one thing only on their mind; graduation. The ideal senior schedule consists of classes like bartending, fitness walking, and maybe a senior seminar. This schedule ensures an easy work load. Admit it seniors. You’re trying to get through this school year by doing as little work as possible.
I’m a “super-senior” this year at CMU. Please rest assured that I’m reveling in all of the glory that being a super senior has to offer: the extra year of school and the extra year of bills.
No matter where you are on the food chain at CMU, embrace it. Be the freshman that makes mistakes. You will find in a few years that your mistakes won’t be as easily forgiven or forgotten as they are now. Find who you are, you wont learn it by always being on the straight and narrow.
Be the sophomore that finally pulled it together and is looking forward to a fresh start.
Be the zombie junior. It’s alright to simply go through the motions now and again. No one expects you to be perfect.
Be the senior who’s lost the will to try. You’ve already proven yourself. You made it through junior year and that alone should speak for itself.
Or, be the super senior that’s strolling around campus with a look that says, “It’s true. I missed the graduation train,” on their face.
Clearly, not everyone will fall into each category perfectly. The point is, be whomever you’d like. These years are supposed to be the best years of your life; enjoy them.
l
kgoddeyn@mavs.coloradomesa.edu