When I was touring Ohio University as a high school student, my dad told me, “Every day feels like a Saturday when you’re in college.” Although the statement was rooted in his desire to tell another story about his alma mater, Miami University, the statement stays true to OU.
If you haven’t had the chance to meet me yet, welcome! My name is Abby. I am a sophomore strategic communication major and have spent three semesters at OU. This semester, I am participating in a study away program in Washington, D.C., and although I am not in Athens, I find myself wishing I were there a lot.
Recently, I read a column and a letter to the editor with conflicting viewpoints on whether OU is fun.
Now that I am gone, I believe the columnist might have missed the point.
As a current OU student spending the semester away from Athens for the first time in her college experience, I have realized that OU is, in fact, fun. Athens is a small town I know how to traverse, and one where I do not need to take a train to get to the nearest grocery store. Although Athens might lack a Target and a run-down mall with laser tag, I do not think those characteristics make the difference in determining the campus’ fun factor.
Being a student at OU and having fun runs much deeper than smelly water and getting stuck at the top of Ping Center’s rock wall. I showered in the Mackinnon Hall water, I know it can be gross, but I also sporadically decided to dye my hair blue in those showers, cackling at the top of my lungs with my friends all the while. I too have been stuck at the top of the rock wall at the mercy of my friends, but the people who were with me made a somewhat boring experience a particularly enjoyable one.
OU is enjoyable because of the people who enhance superficial activities on campus.
If things seem too slow for you, or you are looking for ways to have more fun, go out and meet people. Take a yoga or cycling class, reserve a tennis court for the night, go on an adventure with Outdoor Pursuits, get a campus job or attend a basketball game. OU has over 550 student organizations, over 100 weekly programs and events, 33 club sports (with more intramural options) and athletic events with free student admission.
It might seem as if there is not much to do in Athens at times but do not take that for granted.
Now, I am in a city where things feel like they never stop and there is a constant ticking time limit hanging over my head. I miss slower weeks of (respectfully) terrorizing my roommates, going to a club swim practice and enjoying a sweet treat at Whit’s.
OU is a fun place to be as long as you are involved and have the right people surrounding you.
Abby Waechter is a sophomore studying strategic communication at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Abby know by emailing her at aw087421@ohio.edu or by tweeting her @AbbyWaechter.
