To be a “freshman”, or not to be?
This particular question has been soaring through my mind recently. Every time I hear the word “freshmen”, it sounds simply like “fresh meat”.Â
I, for one, prefer to be called simply as a high school graduate, and it may sound weird, but here's why:
It feels good to consider myself as a high school graduate. Sure, that's what you'll need to do in order to enroll in college, but I can be very sentimental, and cherish little moments for periods of time.
Again with the “fresh meat”, it may seem a little overwhelming and uncomfortable to be labeled as a freshman. Did you know that freshmen are more likely targeted around campus? - making us more vulnerable than most people seem; allowing some to take advantage.
In my opinion, the “freshmen” title seems as if I'm non-experienced, a “ newbie” of some sort, or just now getting into the real world - with real life problems, scenarios, and outcomes, which all is completely true, but the whole “freshmen” scenario has turned itself into an actual stereotype, and I refuse to become a part of one (For example, wearing school colors/paraphernalia consistently, showing off lanyards, boasting about how exciting the school year may be, etc.).Â
So I would love it if you can call me a high school graduate, although next year I’ll be a sophomore ;)