Well, this is my final opinion column for The Cavalier Daily, and as I’ve likely written far too often about politics and also because I will shortly leave this place, I should probably finish with a piece about the University. Over the past four years I have seen this school at its best and worst, yelled and screamed about its absurdities but enjoyed the myriad activities and people it has to offer. While the natural course of life means I must move on, others who will return here next year and those who will arrive for the first time should understand that despite its many flaws, the University of Virginia is a fabulous place to live, learn, and play.
This year, my lone one as an opinion columnist, I have, among other things, bemoaned the decline of student self-governance, opposed the single sanction, complained about University parking, and questioned the system of selecting graduation speakers. A straight-forward reading of these pieces, as well as those of most opinion columnists, leaves the impression that my comrades and I dislike a lot of things about this school. Of course, it is in the nature of those writing opinions to generally be negative — it’s difficult, nearly impossible, to write only about what you like. It is, more or less, contrary to human nature to be strictly positive. However, if I may speak for other opinion columnists, the main reason we grumble about the state of affairs at the University is because we love it so much and only want to see it become even better.
The reasons for this feeling are numerous: first, it’s college, and it’s an unbelievable amount of fun (just ask Asher Roth). But more importantly, there is such a variety in the activities and people one can meet here that life could never get boring even if you wanted it to. One only has to look at the details of what this school has to offer to understand this. The University is a remarkably diverse school in terms of background and geographical origin, so it is not hard to meet interesting people. It has 700 or so CIOs that promote and work on a remarkable assortment of topics, comprehensively covering any activity that any student could possibly be interested in. These people and groups organize a plethora of events, such as concerts, plays, protests and charity sporting tournaments. (How many 5Ks can one college have? Our school tries to answer this question every year.) The overlying point is that finding a niche at the University is not a difficult task, making our school’s diversity a vital asset.
Although I have personally assailed aspects of it, tradition is another crucial piece of the school’s puzzle. Whether it is the Sevens giving a department a check ending with .77; “Girls in pearls, guys in ties”; or just chilling on Thomas Jefferson’s Lawn in front of his Rotunda, there are so many fun things about the history and tradition of the University. These unique parts of the school’s culture give it a classic feel, one that many might feel clashes with the modern, diverse reality we live now in and the anything-but homogeneous school the University has become. However, by taking the best elements of each side of the coin, you end up with a remarkably fascinating culture at this school, with both the new and old coming together to create a splendid atmosphere to live in for four years (or however long one is lucky enough to be here).
Therefore, between the diversity and the tradition, the University is a wonderful place to live and play. But what about learning? Well, if college rankings are to be given credence, then obviously our school brings it academically. The faculty here is impressive in its accomplishments, as the recent receipt of five Guggenheim Fellowships clearly indicates. As for the student body, we all know how tough it is be admitted to the University and between all the things going on and the rigorous nature of many courses, it is not a cinch to maintain a good GPA. Being surrounded by accomplished professors and intelligent students creates a learning environment that challenges one’s mental faculties and ability to get results, producing strong thinkers and doers at the same time.
Like many people here, I sum up the greatness of being a part of the University’s student body and environment by saying that we “work hard and play hard” here in Charlottesville. I tried to think of something more precise but I’m not really sure a simpler phrase exists that adequately defines why this is a fantastic place to spend four years getting a degree, making friends, enjoying phenomenal experiences, and living out what many call “the best years of our lives.” Personally, I hope that quote is not entirely accurate, yet I have little doubt that these past four will certainly rank highly in any quadrennial period of my life, and I hope that all students appreciate the multitude of opportunities for learning, living and having fun that this place has to offer.
Geoff Skelley’s column appeared Thursdays in The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at g.skelley@cavalierdaily.com.
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