The World of Stuff .com

It depends on what the meaning of the word “better” is

The other day I mentioned that I’ve started caring about college. Better late than never, right? Well, don’t tell me I’m late to the party just because I cringed at the word “college” until a few months ago. I’m sure there have been worse cases of procrastination throughout history. I did mention a little while back that I kind of wanted to go to the University of Florida, and I still stand by my ambivalence. Yesterday I happened to mention it in class. Andrew, sitting in front of me, said, “You can do better than that.”

Andrew is one of the smartest people I know. He’s the one of those people who knows a little bit about everything and who always answers the teacher’s questions in class. He also plays the guitar, so you can imagine that he’s a pretty cool guy all around. He once or twice told me that he wanted to study video game design at Cornell. He’s definitely the kind of guy that could make it if he wanted to go that route. But his comment stuck with me: “You can do better than that.” What’s wrong with UF, anyway? It seems to be a fine school. It’s large and it offers a lot of classes. Just because it doesn’t have a national reputation or a high ranking in a news magazine doesn’t mean anything. Just because it isn’t in New England and hasn’t been around for 300 years doesn’t make it bad.

We revisited the subject today, and he basically reaffirmed his position. I don’t really understand. I’ve been told before that I should get out of Florida, but I find myself buying into their argument less and less. I have lots of good reasons for going to UF, anyway. I think I can qualify for a free ride to any in-state public school that I get accepted to, but they haven’t started taking applications for that particular scholarship, I think. My aunt went to UF, and she still lives in that area. I’ve been up to the Gainesville area to see her lots of times, so it’s not like I’m much of a stranger. It would be to know that I’d always be able to go back home if I wanted to because it’s only a few hours away.

And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only person who could “do better.” My friend Nick says he might study at a local university for two years and then go to another one within the state. I know of an intelligent, active, friendly, religious, minority female who would be gobbled up by all the “finest” colleges in America if she applied to any of them, but she’s going to UF. Is that a waste? I don’t think so. In fact, I don’t even think it really matters where you go to college. I don’t think it’s a question that people get asked a lot. The only thing that matters to people is that you have a college degree. That’s what I’ve heard, anyway. Can anyone provide any insight?

What does your browser reveal about you? It’s a pretty good summary of the different kinds of browsers (and Internet users) there are nowadays, although the last few are pretty obscure.

One year ago: “The Second Crusade lasted from 1147 to 1149, and hopefully no one will die if they refuse to get a Mac.”
Three years ago: “The place has to be giving off bad vibes or something.”