Man About Town
Recent posts
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Cedar Fest leaves black mark on community
I’ve never been ashamed to call myself a Spartan until this week.
Cedar Fest, a revival of a semiannual party that occurred in the ’70s and ’80s, was an embarrassment to our campus and the East Lansing community.
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Looming pick-up artists make bar nights uncomfortable
Don’t hit on my girlfriends.
And please, don’t use a cheesy pickup line like, “I’m doing a survey and wanted to ask you a few questions.
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Cougars on the prowl in E.L.
Beware. There are predators lurking throughout East Lansing.
Seniors, celebrate that fifth year
Five years.
To most people, it’s half a decade.
To me, it’s a “Victory Lap.” That’s what I’m calling my next, fifth year in college.
At first, it was scary to see some of my oldest friends stepping out into the “real world.” But I now realize that this coming year shouldn’t be looked upon as a burden, it should be a celebration. I should take the time to enjoy my life, aside from work and classes.
I will participate in everything it means to be a Spartan – the tailgates, football games and house parties – one last time. College should be savored and I intend to indulge my appetite for fun. This is the last time in our lives that we can ditch class to head to the mall or spend an afternoon lying in the sun.
The “real world” can wait, at least for another year. When at the bar last Wednesday, a friend who is graduating after four years said she wishes she had one more year to be a student. She said graduating in four years is like leaving a party at midnight, which every Spartan knows is a complete faux pas. The second keg wouldn’t have even been tapped.
College isn’t about books – it’s about the people you meet and the relationships you build. A fifth year is another chance to do just that. And to anyone who says college should be completed in four years, lighten up. You clearly didn’t ever take a semester off or reduce your class load to have a little fun.
To all my other fifth year seniors: Let’s keep on running, because a “Victory Lap” is that good. Just remember to stay focused so you don’t drop out of the race.
Comments
Sprtnman92
03/24/08 @ 8:37pm
You are absolutely right!! I put myself on the 6 year plan, graduating in 1992 with 2 BA’s. I have never regreted taking things slowly. I still chase the memories. Now an old man (39), I am glad I stayed for those victory laps.
David
03/25/08 @ 2:32pm
I concur. As long as it can be done with fiscal responsibility, stay in school as long as possible. I made it out in four years (thank you Honors College priority scheduling), but rarely a day goes by without a happy memory of MSU. If I could go back, I’d stretch it to five years. We’ll still be out here in a year—you’ll get to be in the ‘real world’ the rest of your life. Have a round for us jealous alumni.
gary
03/25/08 @ 10:26pm
speak for yourself…for me, a half-decade is 18 years.
Alum '06
04/04/08 @ 8:04pm
Good job Kris! Keep up the good work! I have to say I made a huge mistake and took a bunch of classes in my senior year to graduate in 4 years. What a mistake!! Enjoy that fifth year and be sure to rub it in to your friends when they’re waking up each day to be at work by 8.
sam
04/09/08 @ 11:29am
centuries ago when i went you were a real dumb shit if you didnt make it in 4 years. NOTE..you still are…....