Isn¹t it ironic … what you learn in college

Sunday, June 9, 1996

Important lessons in life usually gathered outside of
classroom

I just want to write a good -30- column. Something that will
leave an impression on people, at least for a few hours. But that
is what everyone wants; to leave their "mark" on the school, or
write their name in wet cement or on those pathetically pastel
walls surrounding Ackerman Union. Although I think I would prefer
sticking post-it notes everywhere with messages to all my
friends.

I’ve never written for the paper before. I’ve taken pictures,
naughty pictures, but never contributed one article. For the last
three years I’ve created ads for The Bruin. This year in particular
was wonderful. How can anyone complain about designing
advertisements to New Order and Beck on surround sound while
downing pixy stix galore, surrounded by some of the coolest people
in the world who are waiting to sing, dance, get lunch (!!!),
laugh, talk to themselves and sympathize with your plights through
the more "demanding" ads? You can’t. I don’t.

Not like that real world stuff they keep telling me about. So
I’ve had some experience, enough to get me a job. But will they
hunt through Westwood searching for anything with logos from all my
past ads for me? May you all have pecan pie dreams.

People are funny you know. And yes, this may be obvious, but
I’ve met many of them here, all kinds. I think I’ve learned a lot
about and from people in college. I can’t imagine describing them
all now, just know that you do learn from people, good and bad,
from The Last Unicorn to Colin Malone.

I’ve decided that all things happen for a reason (and truly,
people happen for a reason as well) and usually, it isn’t until
much later that you can appreciate that reason. I would never ask
you to take my word for it, I’d really like you to find that out on
your own. Oh, and it isn’t ironic.

But I will tell you this: 1)You don’t need an art degree to be
an artist. You just need inspiration, a little ambition and lots of
support. 2) Depend on yourself. You won’t begin to know happiness
until you do. 3) Excellent papers can and will be composed the
night before they are due. 4) Los Angeles is an incredible city. 5)
A car isn’t a necessity, it’s a choice. 6) This university only
provides what you take from it.

Well, I’m an English major. And no, I don’t sit around reciting
Chaucer. But yes, I have acquired a taste for Shakespeare. Much
congratulation to all other English majors. I wish you all the
happiness in the world and that you notice good things … like the
way the morning sun shines on different parts of your living room
each season.

Thank you Eric, Monica, Jane, Jen, John and Mike for being here,
there and everywhere. Good luck and please, watch out for the
chupacabras.

Jennifer Young is a graduating English student.