Hey, so we met while ago at accepted students day - I dunno if you remember, but I swear we did! And I can't believe I just ran into your tumblr like this, but here I am. Would you say that my class really is acting worse than the others? I noticed that they were all being really cocky and name dropping a lot of pretentious book titles and bands and stuff too. Is the rest of the college like that at all? Also, is the JY you mentioned Jason Yarber? sorry that's a lot of questions..
Hello, letslookatoneanother!! I believe you haha, but if you tell me your name, I will probably most definitely remember you (:
I’m still not sure if it’s worse. I only know what my class was like as freshmen for comparison, and we weren’t too great, either. It’s mostly the pretentious factor - it seems like people are really trying to assert themselves as “Johnnie material,” which many people interpret to mean intellectual, hipster book junkies who study a lot. Which isn’t true of everyone! That may be the stereotype, but coming here, you’ll find that the social dynamics are much more relaxed. Sure, there will be pretentious people, but you’re going to find that anywhere. In general, most people, all with varied interests, get along (thanks to the cohesive way the program is designed).
I think those who get very involved in the facebook groups early are really just excited to meet people, but they probably feel like they have to present themselves in a certain way in order to establish a reputation. Personally, I wasn’t very active in our class’s groups (we have two), mostly because I was intimidated by the way people came across and thought I wasn’t interesting or cultured enough to fit in. But once I got to school, I acclimated well, got to know a ton of people, and became very involved on campus (primarily through music activities).
We also don’t take ourselves as seriously as it seems. I was definitely guilty of thinking the atmosphere would be more intense than it is. It’s a really fun and comfortable place to be - people are here to learn and have a good time. There are still some people that appear, at least, to take themselves too seriously and come off as snobby, but honestly, most of the intimidating stuff on the facebook group for my class wore off pretty quickly (probably due to being in class and realizing that the material calls for collaboration, not one person figuring it all out and “winning seminar,” for example). Being around everyone in person was a wake-up call of sorts for all of us, and it worked.
Please don’t be too worried! It’s an amazing place with amazing people (lots of them will surprise you), and you’ll find at least one, if not several niches. Since we’ve all been there, we want you guys to flourish and enjoy yourselves - and I’m sure you will (:
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask! See you in the fall wahooo :)))))))
(also yes, that is the JY hahah)