thestoryofjory.com

Frosh Meets World
My First College Test

I took my first college test last Thursday. Chemistry 1314. Dr. Purdie. I think that was the only part on the whole test I actually had right. Okay, so that’s a little dramatic, but I seriously feel violated by the whole thing. I studied, took notes, went to class (okay, so I missed a couple days, but the class starts at 8:30, what do you all expect?); I even studied the book. There were only 25 questions on the test, worth 4 points apiece. The test was supposed to cover chapters 1 through 3, but I honestly think there was some stuff on there we didn’t talk about. I really thought this whole class would just be a review for those of us who had taken Chemistry in high school. I guess I’m figuring out college is hard. That really sucks.

The whole college testing system is way the hell different from anything in high school. Remember those cardboard box things they used to put on your desks in kindergarten when we had to take those skills tests? Yeah anyway they didn’t use those but we had assigned seats and we had to sit apart from each other, just like in our pre-school days. Except those tests were over how to write your name and what sound Mr. T makes. We had review days to get ready for tests and quizzes in high school, but Dr. Purdie kept truckin’ right along into Thermo Chemistry as though the test would just cover “How to spell the word ‘Thermo Chemistry’”. We did get to keep a copy of our test, so after I finished the exam I went back to the dorm to figure out my best possible score.

It was not pretty.

I can only hope the rest of the class scored lower than 50%. Then I could have a B or something neat like that. Heck if I got a ‘D’ I’d be proud to put it on my refrigerator. That’s the other thing…if I had ever gotten a grade that bad on a test I’d be grounded. In my household, anything less than an ‘A’ was unacceptable. So I guess this test is kind of monumental…I think I’ll frame it when I get it back.

All the Best,
Jory

originally posted on September 16, 2002

Frosh Meets World
My Feelings Toward The O’Collegian
Did you all read the O’Colly yesterday? You know, it had the comic in there about someone being pissed off about the editorials, but not writing a letter to the editor? I’m pretty sure they based that little picture on me, and the bastards didn’t even give me credit! I read the O’Colly every day, just to get a glimpse of what is going on around campus. And almost everyday, there is something placed in the paper for the sole purpose of pissing me off. Besides the absolute randomness of their topics and the three different stories that all said the same thing about the Sigma Nu fraternity brawl, our dandy college newspaper prints stuff by complete idiots, like Steve Hunt, Basher of Orange Peel and the Man who put Madeline Albright in her Place. There are a few things I like however, such as the Society Squares, Crossword Puzzle, and C. Brooks Kurtz’s daily editorial.

Rather than focusing on the negative, I think I should really stress those precious three things the O’Colly has going for it. After all, it is important to be supportive of O-State in every way you can. People react better to constructive criticism mixed in with praise anyway. For example, whoever came up with the idea for Society Squares should be given some kind of plaque, or a really big cookie. I read the Squares everyday, just to find out what kinds of activities are going on and where I can pick up applications for things. It was also semi-amusing to see who had pledged what once the Greeks posted their pledge rosters. The Squares are quite possibly the most useful things in the whole paper, and for that reason everyone should go get an O’Colly everyday. (Plus you pay for it with your tuition so you might as well pick one up.)

Located conveniently near the Squares is the Crossword Puzzle. The Crossword Puzzle has become so much a part of my daily routine that it really irritates me when people try to converse with me while I’m completing it. Remember, I’m not blond; I just ignore you. I got hooked on crosswords when I was really little. My mother taught me how to do them, along with the Cryptogram in the Daily Oklahoman. I guess that’s why I still do them today. You’ll generally spot me drinking a smoothie from the little bakery and filling out the crossword on a bar stool or bench somewhere. Feel free to say hi, but under no circumstances should you ever attempt to “help” with the crossword. That really bugs me.

Finally, I think “Letters from Jefferson” by C. Brooks Kurtz is the most intelligent writing found in the O’Colly. Sure he’s old, likes to party, and talks about drinking a lot, but at least he’s not trying to hide it! Hell, the man likes Willie Nelson! What could possibly be wrong with him? The thing I appreciate most is that in his writing, Kurtz doesn’t try to be something he’s not. He states his opinion, but would admit it if his thoughts weren’t the most reasonable. Plus the guy likes “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and is proud of it, too. Not too many Buffy fans have come out of the closet for fear of being labeled a freak. (I know this because my step-mom has been following Buffy since the first season, and still hides her tapes when company comes over.)

I hope that gave those of you who are really down on the O’Colly a new look at the paper. It helps if you can look at the positive things sometimes.

All the Best,
Jory

originally posted on September 17, 2002

Frosh Meets World
My Daily Routine

I feel as though I’ve been in college long enough (a whole whopping month) to establish a daily routine. I think most people have a routine…well I do anyway. And I think I’m beginning to like it rather well – minus the whole “going to class” part.

I get up at 7:00, take a shower, and spend ten minutes brushing my teeth. I’m really picky when it comes to my teeth – I use a regular toothpaste, floss, Fluoride rinse, a Fluoride toothpaste and of course, a whitener. I pick out my clothes & then get all my gear together for my classes that day. I’ll head go to my 8:30 Chemistry class, try not to fall asleep, chat a little with some friends afterwards, and head to the Student Union to get an O’Colly. I’ll study Chemistry or work on math, whichever tickles my fancy for an hour before heading to Calculus.

Calculus is possibly the most entertaining class I have – and I never thought I’d say that about math. We’ll talk about sports or weekend happenings before moving on to actual mathematical topics which are explained like this: “Zero in denominator = Bad”. After an elementary explanation of something not so simple like the definition of a derivative, it’s time for lunch (yeah for lunch!). Luckily for me, Calculus class is located very close to the Little Bakery, where I go to eat everyday. I’ll always order a #1 smoothie with a boost, and grapes. I’ll find a barstool or bench, and get to work on that crossword puzzle.

After finishing my Jamaican Smoothie, I’ll trod back over to the Union to study a little more before my next class. Or I’ll sit there and pretend to study when I’m actually watching the cuties walk by my table – depending of course on my mood. I’ll grudgingly get up and make my way to the next class, stopping occasionally to talk to friends or see what things are happening outside by the Chi O clock. I’ll nod of in my Intro or English class, whichever is the required for the day, and finally head back to home “suite” home in Zink Hall, part of the phase 2 housing project. (By the way, yes I am aware that I, a Freshman, live in nicer housing than a number of upperclassmen. I’m special, you see.)

When I finally get home, I’ll try to do something novel, like homework, but most of the time I just watch an educational program on TV, like TRL, or maybe a movie like “Dumb and Dumber”. In the evenings, I’ll go to meetings, play Flag Football, or harass the other people I live with. I think that’s why they gave me roommates anyway. So I could bother them and not sit around being bored. I guess the reason I like my little routine so well is because it isn’t restrictive (besides the whole “going to class” part). For your sake, I hope you all have routines that you’re happy with. If you aren’t happy with something, change it now before it turns into a pattern, or stop griping about it to everyone else.

That’s a day in the life of this freshman.

All the Best,
Jory

originally posted on September 18, 2002