It’s that time of year again; it’s that time of year when we get our first look at our new fall line of freshmen. Parents and prospective students alike take to open houses and campus tours like salmon take to a stream. They are only at the beginning of their journey, and while the future may seem bright, they have no idea what lies ahead – but we do.
We know as parents tour campus, they will come to delude themselves that they’re sending their child off to a sacred-incubator for young minds, a Fortress of Solitude if you will. Strolling through campus they will come to reminisce on the times of old, their college days, and then quickly hope their child chooses to stay home for another year or five.
We know prospective students will be dressed in their finest Hollister shirt and Abercrombie cargos–it’s never too early for a first impression. Who knows, maybe they’ll catch a stray Frisbee and make a friend. But, like Ariel in Little Mermaid, their entrance into this whole new world will sweep their feet right from underneath them.
The awkward middle-school sibling is the only one with perspective on the tour. He was dragged to campus due to his parent’s lack of trust in his idle hands, but while his hands may not always be in the right place, his mind is. He has his Zune on full blast to the latest offerings from LMFAO to drown out the propaganda being shoveled his way. He’s not looking for academics or where to put posters in his room; he’s just taking in the scenery – the only benefit to be had. Side note: when did they discontinue Proactive?
We know after our years here nothing is as it seems. What you think you’ll love, you never find time to do. That which you have no idea exists during your tour will end up consuming all of your time. Sure, campus tours are a great way to push N.C. State merchandise, but really, their only value comes in the way of entertainment. It’s amazing what we all believed would be our future when we first stepped foot on campus.