ON AUGUST 23, 1784, four separatist counties in western North Carolina formed the autonomous state of Franklin. Franklin was an ill-fated venture, as it lasted only four years before being reabsorbed by North Carolina. On August 23, 2008, each of you, like Franklin, will declare independence from the parent state you've lived under for your entire life. Like Franklin, you'll be independent for four years. Make the most of this time. Embrace your newfound independence. Most importantly, exercise it with the goals of living in moderation and becoming more mature.
While University students are academic free spirits, we are also slaves to a common master: Facebook. Facebook is a quintessential, and many would argue, essential component of college life. Consequently, I thought it appropriate to learn more about your class by consulting the "UVA 2012" Facebook group. Judging from your discussions and posts, the Class of 2012 eagerly anticipates its Independence Day. As stated in the "What are you looking forward to most?" group, members of your class anticipate "not being at an all girls school with a uniform," "college girls" and "Independence. Partying ;)" among other things.
I hope each of you uses your independence to explore these interests and many others. Embrace both the appealing and the appalling aspects of college. Take the midnight pizza runs and epic Guitar Hero tournaments along with marathon exam weeks. Understand that independence allows you to work and play, eat and drink, socialize and study as much or as little as you want. While it's easy to become intoxicated with your independence (both literally and metaphorically), be wary of overindulging.
Like most first years, I didn't use my newfound independence in the most efficient ways. After having some time management difficulties my first semester, I made a detailed daily schedule for second semester. It resulted in less stress and more balanced activities. The schedule was particularly helpful during finals, as I interspersed four or five hours of studying with productive breaks. One of the best decisions I made was to exercise 45 minutes each day, even when I had an exam that accounted for half my grade in less than eight hours. Overall, remember that autonomy carries great responsibility, and that moderation and maturity are the hallmarks of a successful college student.
That said, live your college years to the fullest. Take a stab at new things the moment you arrive at the Student Activities Building for summer orientation. Talk to people outside of your old high school and hall or suite. Sign up for anthropology or art classes if they interest you. Join the most interesting extracurricular groups you find, and if nothing strikes your fancy, start your own group. You're on your own, so make the most of it.
As you find your way, occasionally take breaks and get swept away in the waves of orange and navy blue. Experience the University and its fabric to the fullest. While the University is united by some traditions, which serve as common threads, understand that this fabric is like a patchwork quilt. Revisions and additions make it more colorful and interesting. So make your own unique square and become part of something that is older and larger than yourself.
Now that I've offered some observations, allow me to add this caveat: Don't indiscriminately follow all the advice you're given (except this tidbit, of course). Consider what your family and friends suggest. Read the advice in this newspaper. Mind the words of grizzled fourth-years. Talk to your academic advisor. But don't get too caught up in it all. Don't live your college life trying to fulfill someone else's expectations or aspirations. Don't constantly ask yourself "What Would Jefferson Do?" Finally, view the mistakes you make as tuition-free learning experiences. After all, some of the most important lessons you'll learn in college won't be taught in lecture halls or laboratories.
August 23, 2008 is your Independence Day. Make the most of it and all four years you have at the University. Don't flounder like the State of Franklin and eventually return to your parent's protection. Use your independence to define yourself, and in the process, don't allow others' expectations or observations to confine you. Let your unique aspirations guide your actions and determine your collegiate accomplishments. Understand that your approaching independence can be an opportunity or an onus, a bane or a blessing. The outcome is up to you.
James Rogers is a Cavalier Daily senior associate editor. He can be reached at jrogers@cavalierdaily.com.
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