Going to a party school doesn’t mean I’m dumb
Don’t stereotype me
Senior year of high school, I was faced with the ultimate decision: Where was I going to spend the next four years of my life? As a student who took numerous AP classes and was constantly surrounded by overachieving, incredibly smart peers, I was used to hearing about everyone else’s prestigious college decisions. With a plethora of kids in my graduating class beginning their journey at Ivy leagues and other universally respected schools, I always received a shocked look when I told them, ecstatically, where I was going to college: the University of Arizona.
The decision to go to Arizona was one I made easily. I’ve always known who I am, and I knew going to a huge party school didn’t mean I wouldn’t excel academically. I loved everything about the school — the school spirit, the huge student body, the weather, the Greek life, the opportunities to get involved, and more. After a big academic scholarship, my decision only got easier, and I enrolled as soon as I could.
Yes, I go to a party school, but I am by no means less intelligent than other college students.
The parties here are admittedly insane. I go out multiple times a week and never fail to have a good time. I’ve seen crazy ridiculous things and have many stories to one day tell my future kids. There are plenty of people here who fulfill the stereotype — they drink and do drugs frequently and care way more about the social aspect of school than the quality of their education. But that’s true of schools everywhere. Some more than others, of course, but it is universal. It’s all about how the individual treats their own college experience.
As for me, first semester of freshman year, I went out a lot. Tuesdays and Thursdays were regular nights for me to go out to different events, and I was constantly out on the weekends. It was overwhelming, but I still studied frequently. I got involved on campus, was an active member of my sorority, pulled many all-nighters at the library, and was always able to wake up after a night of going out and make it to class, right on time. I was constantly engaged in my schoolwork and involved in my smaller, honors classes, and managed to get a 4.0, despite how much I took advantage of the party scene. I am smart, I care about my grades, and I know these 4 short years are a pivotal time to shape my future.
Going to a school with such a hyped-up party scene that is (sometimes) looked down upon by my peers has taught me so much. I don’t regret my decision, nor am I embarrassed of my school. Being able to balance such an active party lifestyle and still succeed academically has taught me how to manage my time and fit everything I want to do into my days.
It’s taught me self-restraint — there have been many times I wanted to go out but couldn’t for academic reasons. I have grade requirements I have to keep up for my sorority, my scholarship, and the honors college, and I know this will never be a problem for me. I’ve been blessed with so many positive influences here and have advisors on my side to help me make the most of this experience. My time at Arizona is setting me up for a lifetime of success, regardless of its stereotype. Going to a party school doesn’t make me dumb at all, and I’m forever content with my decision.