WHEN I was applying to schools, U.Va. wasn't on my short list by any means. I had no interest in coming here, but my parents really wanted me to apply. So I applied to please them. When my acceptance came in April it sat on the desk on our living room desk for three days before my dad finally suggested that I open it.
Ironically, from the time I was 12 until the end of 11th grade I didn't see myself going anywhere but U.Va. My uncle and both my parents went to school here, and I loved the school. But at the end of high school, I had my sights set on studying music seriously and didn't see U.Va. as the best place to do so.
Sometimes our instincts are better when we're 12 than when we're 18, or for that matter when we're 21. I've made many of my big decisions, I decided to come to U.Va. very last minute and on somewhat of a whim. I had my acceptance for another school filled out, but it just didn't feel like the right choice, so I filled out U.Va.'s acceptance and sent it in. I haven't regretted my choice for a minute.
I look back now and am so glad that I decided to make music a part of, rather than my entire, life during college. If I had studied music as seriously as I had originally planned, I never would have been able to get involved with a school newspaper, here or at any other school. And looking back, I wouldn't have given up my time working at The Cavalier Daily for anything.
I have to admit, the basement can be a scary place the first few times you visit. But if you keep going back you discover something amazing. The Cavalier Daily taught me so much about working with others, time management and stress. It let me expand my horizons in ways I never imagined. And it introduced me to some of the most dedicated people at this school. By far the best aspect of the paper is the people. I wouldn't have kept going back if it weren't for all of them.
I can't say enough good things about the production department that I worked with my first year at the paper. My editors did their job without any expectation of recognition, which they never got enough of. When most everyone else would have left for the library or bed, they were there finishing the layouts and making sure the paper would look great for the next day.
My Nation/World co-editor this past term was amazing. He's in part responsible for the fact that I'll be able to attend law school in a year. I called him so many times to work for me so I could finish this or that assignment or study for LSATs, and he obliged without complaint. I can't thank him enough for being so understanding. Working with such great people at the newspaper taught me what working as part of a team is all about. It made my job there one of the best things I'll take away from U.Va.
Two groups have made my time at U.Va. truly memorable. The first is The Cavalier Daily. The second is Alpha Delta Pi. My sorority sisters are the most amazing group of women I have ever met. They are kind, caring, dedicated, involved and fun-loving. I often wonder how different my college years would have been if I hadn't joined ADPi. It's a pretty scary thought.
My only regret is that I didn't join until my third year. I was pretty unsure about where or if I fit into Greek life during my first year of college and decided not to pledge anywhere. My second year I thought it was too late. By my third year I knew so many ADPi's that I thought it was at least worth another shot. I may have followed the road less traveled to get there, but I found a place that really made me feel at home at U.Va.
My four years at U.Va. have taught me that life rarely turns out like you plan. But that's a good thing. It keeps you guessing. That attitude has gotten me to graduation and I know will take me far beyond.
I'm not really sure what life has in store for me, but I'm excited to find out. It took me all year to find out, but I'm headed to Philadelphia next year. It's probably not my first choice location but will certainly be a new experience for me. And if I've learned anything from college, it's that anything new is what you make of it. I can't wait to make the best of it.
(Mary Beth Walker was a 2000-2001 Nation/World editor.)
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