I'm about to begin a journey into a jungle. This isn't your typical jungle. Here, habitats range from indeterminate bars to packed apartments. Sustenance is in the form of ethanol. The male animals are characterized by Polos, reversed hats and the use of the word "bro."
It's dangerous out here, so I need a companion. Will you join me? Yes? Then let's commence our journey through the cultural mecca known as Gainesville.
First stop: midtown. No, today isn't New Year's Eve; this is the ordinary drunken hysteria of this locale. Yes, that guy is throwing up. Those dolled-up patrons on the sidewalk ahead? They're arguing over the difficult decision of whether they should enter Standard Bar A, Standard Bar B or Standard Bar C.
Second stop: downtown. The corner liquor store is attracting a lot of business. Yes, that guy is also throwing up. Wow, he looks bad. It must be his birthday.
Actually, let's stop here. We've seen enough.
You're disappointed, you say? Well, we've seen the best Gainesville has to offer - at least of what's outwardly presented. What more do you want?
If you'd like, we can go to the Hippodrome State Theatre and watch "Suds" in the company of middle-aged women.
No? Well, then our journey is complete. Thank you for the company, my new friend. It's been fun.
Wait, I know what you're thinking: Surely Gainesville has more to offer. We are surrounded by Florida's young intelligentsia - some of the brightest young minds in the world. Surely there is more to this city? There has to be!
Ah, I expected nothing less from you, an astute, educated reader.
BYou're right. Gainesville is a typical college town in that it has exceeding potential and promise. It can offer so much. And it does - to an extent. I say "to an extent" because although much of this potential is realized, it is covertly veiled by the trademarked, attention-grabbing antics that SEC schools are known for.
It is not all fun and games - or sometimes it is. Impressionable, new undergraduates play the hands they're dealt and use UF for its intrinsic purpose: to party, drink and do the bare minimum to receive a sufficient GPA to enter the labor force.
But if we look past this facile perception of our diverse community and look deeper, we can see that something beautiful is hidden. We see smart, motivated people pursuing meaningful ambitions.
Less exposed are the thespians in the community who put on moving plays after weeks of grueling practice, the scientists performing exhausting research to advance their field of study, and the individuals involved in countless organizations.
Less exposed are the diverse, unique stories and inspiring, boundless goals of the 50,000-plus students in this seemingly one-dimensional town.
There are incredible people waiting to be met and waiting to meet you. If you want to see more, if you want to do more, if you want to live more - reach out to someone.
So long for now, my friend. I look forward to seeing you in the jungle.
Abdul Zalikha is an microbiology junior at UF. His column appears on Thursdays.
