Greetings, oh young and naïve freshman!
As a sophomore, I have only one year as a Gator under my belt, but already I'm certain that your years at UF will be the best in your life.
My freshman experience was typical of most baby Gators. There were a few all-nighters, a few too many parties and, for the first few days, the campus map became my third hand. I have found that these are telltale signs of a freshman. (Other signs of new meat include: Roaming campus in packs of 20 on days that aren't game days; dressing entirely in Orange and Blue or Abercrombie and Fitch; and passing out on University Avenue at 11 p.m. because you've just discovered the wonders of alcohol.)
I could go on about the pratfalls of being a freshman, but I won't. It's much more important that freshman don't miss out on experiences unique to UF.
Please, for the love of Tebow and all that is holy, go to the Swamp every chance you get-if not to watch the Gators cream their opponents on the dew-soaked turf of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, then to bask in the glory of the Gator Nation while running stadiums each afternoon.
Take advantage of Lake Wauburg, where you can go boating, canoeing, kayaking and even sailing. All you need is your Gator 1 Card, some friends and a Frisbee or football. Or both.
Become active in a campus organization. Want to know how to make a humongous university small? This is how. Chances are, there exists an organization on campus catering to even your most obscure hobbies and interests.
Also, remember why you're here in the first place and put academics first. In times of self-doubt and even pity when trying to finish that long research paper or when sitting through that first day of an advanced math class, just realize that if you were smart enough to get into UF, you're smart enough to graduate in four years. Or five. Or six. Shoot for four and you'll make your parents much happier.
Create your own freshman experience. Don't let others try to dictate what you should or shouldn't do, and remember that at UF we're all on this ride together.
After all, doesn't the word sophomore just mean "wise fool" in Greek? Google it yourself, Brainiac.
Matthew Christ is a political science sophomore. His column appears weekly.
