It’s hard to believe that it has been nearly two years since myself and thousands of other Liberty University graduates crowded Williams Stadium. Robed head-to-toe in our regalia, we came to receive that which was rightfully ours after years of hard work, late nights, and (for some) tons of caffeine. (At that point, I abstained from coffee…now, I’m like every other American when it comes to this strange, hot, beany concoction).
I was reminded of my final college years today in a light-hearted op-ed column by Mitch Albom published in Buffalo News. Albom spoke of recent visits to several prestigious institutes of higher education as his nephew prepares to embark on the collegiate journey. I couldn’t help but relate to a few of Albom’s quips and observations:
Over-perky tour guides – A bubbly, sparkly young lady was my first point of contact when I visited Liberty’s campus in May of 2003. And I had plenty more contact dealing with these types when I did volunteer work with the Visitor’s Center. While they may be busting at the seams with enthusiasm toward visitors, try working for them…it’s a whole new ball game. The girl I initially toured with did her job well though; she sold me on attending LU.
Dorms with amenities rivaling a five-star hotel – I lived in brand-new, apartment-style housing from junior year on (there was the one-semester foray off campus, but that had me crawling back to campus a semester later). On Liberty’s East Campus we had access to all kinds of entertainment in the clubhouse; an in-ground, heated pool; private gym; a convenience store; and a tunnel under US-460 to link us to Main Campus. State-of-the-art fitness facilities, big-screen TVs, and more were available at new student center on North Campus.
Co-ed dorms – Mitch was surprised at this, and Liberty was staunchly against it. “We catch a boy in a girl’s dorm after dark, we shoot him on the spot…” (paraphrase), said Rev. Jerry Falwell Sr., founder of LU. He was joking, I’m sure. But I was always glad for the non-co-ed dorms. It helped alleviate what would otherwise be awkward situations at the bathroom, etc. Of course it also led to behavior such as unclothed men soaping up the tile hallway and making a virtual slip-n-slide…
Gourmet Cafeteria Cuisine – Everyone used to rip on Sodexo at Liberty and the quality of food they served. I’ll admit, some of it was gross. But especially come my junior year, the food on campus got really good. Sodexo took marked steps to “kick it up a notch,” and it showed. There was so much to choose from, in an all-you-can-eat buffet style that it’s a wonder I didn’t experience a freshman-15 followed by a sophomore-15, and, well, you get the picture. I think ripping on campus dining services is just popular no matter where you go. And by the way, we had waffle makers too…you’d wait in line for at least a half hour if you wanted one right after church during Sunday brunch.
Mitch ends by stating he’s glad he didn’t have so many luxuries, amenities, and entertainment in his collegiate days. He says it would’ve been too difficult to find time otherwise for classes, study, etc. But somehow you manage to find time…I did it while still enjoying all that Liberty had to offer.
It is my observation, however, that college has morphed into academia-cum-summer-camp at a five-star hotel. You learn things at summer camp; it is meant to be an educational experience. If you make the time, you learn at college. Unfortunately, this new form of camp comes with a much heftier price tag attached.
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