JohnWycliffe

I've been reading a lot about what people are saying about the Emory, either after attending or visiting, and from what I've been reading, the stories and opinions often conflict - as it should for an institution with over five thousand undergrads. People have different interests, form different groups, and have different experiences. But even knowing all that, reading all these testimonies has been a bit nerve wracking.

So what do I say - I say begone with all that. If we're attending, we are to free to create our own community, our own values, our own lifestyles, and our experiences irregardless of what prior generations have done. I am more interested in getting to know and understand you all and the type of communities we can create vs. just conforming to what the school has been. In many ways, I really want to get along and get to know all of you, form friendships, and discuss what we have to look forward to and I don't think I am the only one.

So please share about your interests, your values, your pet peaves, your ego, your dislikes, your fears - things that make the core of who you are. If you want to write more than one post, feel free to. Do it in any style you like.

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I am an Asian American male from the Northeast. Now that I've said that, I'll tell you I hate being labeled with every single descriptive word in that sentence. What does it mean: an Asian American male for the Northeast? Does it even have any significance - other than to tell you want I most likely look like and where I am from? I can most certainly say that the image you have in your mind now of my personality, my values, my skills, and my attitude is not consistent with who I am, in part because I am not a very consistent person. With a lot of words you can describe me with, you can use the opposite to describe me equally legitimately.

So I was accepted to Emory and I do feel a little nervous. Being in the South, with people from all over the globe that have different worldviews frightens this New Englander to some extent because he doesn't know what to expect.

I am interested in political/humanitarian activism, debate, reading and analyzing literature, appreciating the fine and performing arts (but I hate BAD movies and BAD music though I try not to be biased against any particular genre), traveling and understanding the world, and Christianity. A lot of other things, I am interested in too but these are the things I am really passionate about. One of the simpler things I enjoy is hanging out and talking with people. If we’re not talking about life, school, or the arts, then striking up a political, cultural, philosophical discussion does interest me. I also hike, swim, bike, jog, cook, and draw. I am looking to play an instrument by the year’s end.

What do I want to study? I think I should take advantage of Emory’s business school because I am very interested in the subject but I am going to try to double up on a Humanities major if I can. For electives during at least the first two years, I want to take some classes on Russian literature, psychology, women’s studies, music/film/art studies, environmental studies, economics, history and creative writing? All is subject to change but needless to say, there’s a lot I want to learn.

But college is more than just learning, it’s about having a social life. I’m not totally turned off to the idea of joining a frat. I do want to do something with political activism and debate and I intend to find a church or bible study that I can feel comfortable in. I might also be part of organizing campus events and student activities, and I am open to doing a foreign exchange trip. Other than that, I don’t know what to expect. But if there is fun, originality, or innovation in anything on campus, I want to be a part of it.

To be continued?

Share about yourselves?