By

Freshman

Starting at the bottom of the chain is definitely difficult. The chance that you’ll get lost on campus runs high on the list of worries. As my first semester comes to a close, I have discovered some of the many pros and cons of the freshmen life.

Con: Terrible living conditions.
Granted, some freshmen did make a smart decision and decided to live at the University of Louisville Properties, such as Community Park, Kurz and Bettie Johnson, but most live in the traditional dorms. As a resident of Threlkeld Hall, I sit in my room with the heat on while the temperature is 79 degrees outside. Unfortunately, once they turn the air off, it is off until spring.
Pro: U of L caters to undergraduates.
There is always some sort of event going on at campus. It is always reassuring that you aren’t the only one in that position.
Con: General Education courses.
Gen. Ed. courses usually have nothing to do with your prospected major. Students are stuck taking forty gen. ed. credits – mostly during their freshmen and sophomore year – that aren’t going to matter in five years to come. Sometimes it feels as if the university is trying to squeeze money out of students.
Pro: General Education courses.
They seem pointless, but students who are undecided in their major are able to explore different fields through these classes. Even if you already made a decision for your major, it gives you a chance to take classes that seem interesting to you and it broadens your range of classes that weren’t available in high school.
Con: Last to register for classes.
Luckily, this one doesn’t apply to me because I am in the Honors program. But, for many freshmen, it’s not fair. Some have to be put on the waiting list for classes that they need, but can’t register for them because it’s filled up.
Being classified as a freshman isn’t always the greatest, but it is something that every college student goes through. Along with the name, there’s good and the bad. I’ve heard that it only gets harder the further you move up, but then again, that’s life.

Lauren Ferguson is a freshman communication major.  E-mail her at opinion@louisvillecardinal.com.

Graduate

I don’t remember why I went to graduate school. I cannot speak for anyone in the medical, law, or business field. I have a real love of literature and writing, but will I ever use this knowledge in the real world? It’s too early to tell. Graduate School does have its perks in addition to its pits.

Con:  There is a real disconnect from the campus community.
Universities tend to be more focused on their undergraduate community, as well they should be. There is a great song in the musical “Avenue Q,” in which the protagonist wishes he could go back to his undergraduate days, only to realize he’d be the weird old guy on campus. I am the weird old guy and as a 24 year old female, that’s depressing.
Pro: One night a week classes.
Granted the courses generally run about 2 hours and 45 minutes and the reading load is a little heavier. Once class is over, however, you don’t have to go back for a whole week.
Con: One night a week classes.
 One runs the danger of getting bored and unless you are one of the lucky few with a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, you will have plenty of free time on your hands.
Pro:  You really get to know your teachers in a way that was never possible as an undergraduate.
Grad school allows for a teacher to really get to know your work and direct you in your field of study. Plus if you have a teacher that is a really big fan of yours, it should not be an issue finding an advisor for your culminating project or thesis.
Con: You don’t have a real job.
Recently a friend of mine point-blank asked me why I didn’t just get a real job or go into law or medicine. I hate this question because it forces you to take a real hard look at yourself and clearly indicates the other person thinks you’re a slacker.
I think Graduate School is a great option for those who want to continue their education, but it is a decision that should be examined on a case by case basis. Graduate school is nothing like undergrad.

Melissa Ratliff is a second year English graduate student. E-mail her at opinion@louisvillecardinal.com.