Mizzou: Big Names, Big Fun

If there are two aspects of the social scene at Mizzou that I value the most it is the diversity of beliefs and the amount of fun things there are to do! 

I'm from Illinois and I'll be honest, I experienced a bit of culture shock when I moved down here. In my area you'd be hard pressed to find a conservative, not to say they didn't exist - they just weren't that vocal. Well, when I moved into my Journalism learning community about half of the people on my floor were Republicans! It was a whole other side that I had never seen before. 

Don't let that anecdote intimidate you. At first I was a little put off because back home political discussions were everyone agreeing with each other. But after I realized how knowledgeable and eager for open forum everyone was, the difference in perspectives was refreshing! It was like a blind was being lifted off of me, and for once I was being presented with the ability to look at issues and see both sides. The stereotype is that college is where you finally start thinking for yourself, and it's true! In my own experiences, I found that I let my parents and teachers mold my thoughts through high school. Now I could continue with those sentiments or form knew ones. Over the past two months, amplified by the campaigns and election, I've gradually become more confident in what I believe in. I've kept a lot of what I've previously believe, but seen other parts of the spectrum that I agree with as well. 

It's not just political views that were different for me. There is a smorgasbord of musical interests, hobbies, and backgrounds. Especially because most of my floor is out-of-state, everyone brings something new to the table. My friends are in love with bands I've never even heard of! (I won't name them because I don't want to appear completely out of the loop.)

Because we're a big school we naturally attract big events. For those of you familiar with PostSecret this Thursday Frank Warren is coming to speak. Motion City Soundtrack and rapper Tech N9ne (Nine) have both been to Columbia as well. In case you haven't heard, Missouri is also a battle ground state, and last week Barack Obama came to campus to speak! 

I encouraged all of my friends to go, conservative and liberal alike. It was a great chance to see history in the making, even if Obama doesn't win! He was scheduled to speak at 9:30p.m, but people were already lining up by 2:00p.m. I got in line at 6:00 and was already over ten blocks back. The people behind me had driven 5 hours from Oklahoma just to hear him! This is just an example of what a powerful campus University of Missouri has. The College Democrats orchestrated the event and did a wonderful job. I'm attaching one picture of the McCain supporters just to make sure I present a fair and biased outlook... but really I just thought their sign was pretty funny. 

For those of you who don't know. Mizzou and kU have a HUGE rivalry. 

Aside from big name people coming to town, Mizzou still offers a fun social scene. You're never to old for Halloween and my entire floor got dressed up to go out! Mizzou After Dark put on a "Spooktacular" which had lots of free goodies. Of course, there were costume parties left and right that you could attend if that's more your scene. 

I was Wilma Flintstone! My costume was made by Rachael (middle) who was a genie. Trupti stole the show though with her egyptian costume!

I convinced my floor government to do pumpkin painting so we also did that. It was A LOT of fun! Everyone painting their own and it was really funny to see who did what. My friend Melanie did her sorority letters, Ryan (the business man) painted his pumpkin with a "boss-man" type figure, and my roommate Mystle did the conventional type. 

Because Halloween was such a big deal on our floor, we all kind of went all out. Door decorations, costumes on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and carmel apples galore! I mentioned that we all have diverse backgrounds, but we know how to come together and have fun!

If you're from out-of-state don't associate Missouri with being boring. It's anything but! 

Mizzou Myths: Busted

Let’s face it: there are some pretty firm stereotypes about college that have developed over the years. I might have only been living here for two months, but I can already tell you a lot of my preconceived notions about college life were wrong.

Long-distance relationships don’t last in college:
MYTH! Not only is it possible to stay in a relationship at college, but also it’s commonplace. About 10 people on my floor started the year off with a significant other, including myself. So far, most of us have been able to manage it. While it’s difficult because college is such a huge transition, you can swing it!

Things to keep in mind:

• You have to be open to change. College is the time of your life where you finally get to reassess your identity and discover who you want to be. Adults are right when they say don’t limit yourself. Stay in the relationship if you are still open to growth.

• Communication is important. I have found services like Skype and AIM to be very useful. Also, increase your phone plan. You’ll be using a lot of minutes and texts and the overages aren’t worth it!

You don’t have to go to class to pass:
MYTH! I hate to break it to you, but this is a complete myth. Seldom do professors post notes, and you never want to rely on someone else’s. Even if they take a lot of notes, you can never guarantee the quality. Keep in mind that you have to be in class to know what points the professor is stressing.

Example: In my human development class I overheard some girls chatting on her cell phone. She was telling her friend how she finally made it to class and that she failed the last test. “I read the chapters in the book,” she said, but that just wasn’t enough.

You need to be present to understand the material and what the professor expects from you.

You have to drink to have a good time:

MYTH! Totally not true. I’ve had the most fun just hanging out in the dorm playing Apples to Apples or watching movies. No one cares if you chose not to drink and you shouldn’t feel obligated just to go with the flow.

If you want to have a good time and avoid situations that might pressure you attend Mizzou After Dark events! They do events ranging from Grocery Bag Bingo to Spa Nights to Bollywood Movie Nights! They’re free to students too.

You will gain the Mizzou-22
MYTH! That’s right, it’s not the Freshmen-Fifteen. Here at Mizzou there is all-you-can eat style dining. This has its pros and cons. You won’t ever be left hungry, but you risk over indulging. So long as you are contentious, you’ll avoid the extra poundage!

Tips to avoid the Mizzou-22:
• Limit your meal plan. I’ll tell you right now – 21 meals is excessive and you will not eat them. There is always free food on campus, so you don’t go to the dining hall for each meal. I have also found that I usually eat breakfast either in my room or on the go. I have the 14 meal plan and usually still have points left over.
• Avoid Rollins Pizza To-Go as a daily ritual. Rollins pizza is delicious and addicting, but don’t rely on it as your only dietary sustenance.
• Go to the Rec Center! Mizzou’s rec center was rated the best in the nation by Sports Illustrated! There are televisions in all the work out machines and if you like to lift weights hit up the Pump Room.

Athletes don’t hang out with the rest of us
MYTH! While you probably won’t see Chase Daniel in your freshmen biology class, athletes are just like the rest of us. They go to class and have a social life!

Yes! This is Sean Weatherspoon, who some claim to be the best linebacker in the nation! And That's me!!! He was in Gillett acting in a friend's iLife video!

I will tell you though; the athletes have a special dining hall. I can’t report on this because it’s a pretty exclusive place, so if you ever get the chance try to get in!