Student Life Archives

My original thoughts on the big Wash were these: it would be a place where people walked around with pensive looks on their faces, from their Chemistry 407 class to their eighth level Japanese course; and when they stopped their formal intellectual endeavors to satisfy their stomachs, they would do it with a friend over a conversation on the crisis in the Middle East and how it relates to the crop deficit in southern Brazil. People would be smart, and motivated, and different than normal people.

In some ways, I was a little bit right. This is the first place I’ve been where anyone has asked me outright if I was a Democrat or a Republican. Never before have I heard Homer and Thucydides thrown into a conversation so naturally. As everyone talks about registering for classes, the rhetoric doesn’t include “have to,” “sounds boring” and “this sucks,” nearly as much as “want to,” “sounds so interesting” and “ohmygod I wish I could take everything.” These all of which sets apart the student population here from most others I’ve seen or heard of.

But in a lot of my preconceptions, I was waaaaay off. While people really are very smart here, the thing I realized during my ArtSci weekend over the summer and during my time here so far this August is that smart people aren’t necessarily “not normal.” Just because you can break 2200 on your SATs doesn’t mean you can’t perform in an intense game of kickball as well. Placing a high value on academics doesn’t mean you don’t also place a high value on beer. And a potential future in the empirical field of medicine doesn’t mean you aren’t willing to drop a buck on a tarot-card dispensing wizard named Zoltar.

What we have here is a number of undercover smart and high-achieving people. I love the moments in a conversation when you are talking to someone about normal stuff, like where they’re from, what their dog’s name is, etc., and then all the sudden it somehow comes up that they graduated from high school a year early and went in the mean time to Iceland to learn the language by spending time with local shepherds and helping build homes for the poor in a secluded glacier town.

The funny thing is, our fictional Icelandic traveler could very well be the same kid who started that “No, You F***ing Ignoramus, Washington University is in St. Louis, Missouri” group on Facebook. Here would be a display of the personality (crude, but hilarious) that maybe I didn’t expect to come from the smart people at Wash. U.

If you can willingly pick up Icelandic among the natives, but can also appreciate the humor in verbally assaulting all the jerks who don’t know where Washington University in St. Louis is, I’d say you’ve become a well-rounded human being. And that’s what kind of human beings seem to be here.

It’s important to remember that people here have done some pretty amazing stuff. But it is the real kicker that these same people are very personable and fun to be with on a non-intellectual level as well.

While the scene here on campus doesn’t quite jive with my odd preconceptions of crazy-smart people with only Plato and the human pancreas on the mind, it seems to me that, really, that’s a damn good thing.

Outside of the USA, Americans are seen as constant rivals in an increasingly competitive world – stupid, fat, khaki shant (the shant of course being a uniquely vague garment in that it is neither pants nor shorts) wearing rivals responsible for rapidly homogenizing distinct cultures through their desire to guzzle the remaining drops of what was once an ocean of natural gas; deep-fry anything not securely fastened to a hard surface, arbitrarily develop their own units of measurement, watch “the game” on TV with a six pack of reduced calorie urine and give every average schmuck his own reality TV program. And spin-off. And clothing line. And book deal (A semi-biographical novel loosely inspired by a true rags-to-riches story no less).

But the reality is that Americans aren’t any stupider than people from other countries. The stupidness of respective populations just manifests itself in different ways. Like the French still thinking they won the World Cup (It’s time to accept the facts. We schooled you.). Or the English thinking that stone are actually a good way to measure weight. Come on. Fourteen pounds? Who are you kidding?

“So you’re from Italy.isn’t that where the Eiffel Tower is?”

Just kidding.

Kidding again. Yes, I was actually asked this my third day on campus. Out of Italy people are especially fascinated by the Italian culture, and I am equally interested in understanding their own. They are shocked to know that Venice smells like death and is constantly flooded, that we don’t actually eat spaghetti with meatballs, and that a businessman is as likely to pee on your building as his dog is. Once I have shat on their romantic fantasies of Italy it is their turn to dispel the ridiculous stereotypes I have been fed about university life in the USA. When I tell them I’ve never seen Laguna Beach, driven a car, played a drinking game or gone to senior prom I garner looks worthy of a leper.

Africa is, like, THE coolest country EVAR.

When people learn I have a South African mother, suddenly the pasta is dropped on the floor and I’m monkey girl – full of valuable knowledge about living in the motherland with all them crazy lions and tigers. The questions range from the tame “did your mother grow up in a hut?” to the wildly offensive “wait, so is your WHOLE family racist?” A good friend from Johannesburg once was told by an excited American, “oh my gosh.you’re from South Africa.I have a friend from Ethiopia!”

There is no language called “African.” Again, reality is far from it. Those cool monkeys with the red butts aren’t so cute when they poo all over your car. Or when they chase you while biking and rip your shorts off to get an apple you’ve concealed underneath. And the closest I’ve come to Simba was his face painfully stretched across the child’s T-shirt sported by a large-breasted Malagasy housewife on an island off the coast of Madagascar.

As we all know, there’s more to a book than its cover, and as educated people it is our job to counter these [often] inaccurate generalisations. Wash. U. is immensely diverse which is why it is so important to be mindful of the different cultures students bring with them to campus. I’m sure every student here has at some point fallen victim to stereotypes associated with where they come from. Other international students at Wash. U. have been asked if they live in igloos in Canada, ride elephants to school in Indonesia or get jailed for chewing gum in Singapore. Just like assuming everyone from Illinois is a Chicagoan, from Long Island is a JAP, Tennessee a hick and Iowa a farmer, such generalizations are not restricted to areas outside of the US. And while the realities are certainly not as interesting as the fantasies we concoct in our heads, in learning to distinguish between the two we are able to peer into cultures and truly understand something “foreign.”

Like the metric system.

It’s better.

Kayla Dalle Molle is a freshman in Arts & Sciences and is from Milan, Italy.

I have been a native New Yorker my whole life. I have never owned a car, I don’t have my license and I can name every stop on the D train line. The night before I left for college, I did a very New York thing and sat on the stoop outside my building with my friend, people watching at one in the morning. New York City with it bustling streets, crowded subway cars and hundreds of thrift stores has been my home since I was born. It is in my blood.

Despite my deep attachment to New York City, I decided that for college I wanted to experience a place that was slightly different, which is how I set my sights on Wash. U. With a population of 348,189, St. Louis is, yes, quite unlike New York City, which has a population of eight million. One of my biggest fears about leaving NYC was that I would be leaving a very diverse and exciting environment. But, I’ve already discovered many interesting things about the area: Chuck Berry plays at Blueberry Hill, the South Grand holds a multitude of ethnic restaurants, and, according to the fortuneteller at Union Station, I’m going to inherit an aged stone mansion.

More importantly, what has made adjusting to Wash. U. so much easier than I had anticipated was how friendly and open-minded everyone has been. Already I am learning new things that were not as popular in New York City. For example, at my high school it was more relaxing to listen to the blaring sound of a siren than the chorus, but at Wash. U. my roommate has actually managed to get me to listen to, and enjoy, A cappella.ÿWho knew that A cappella groups could sing such entertaining covers of Outkast?

While New York is very diverse, I have never lived in such close proximity to people from so many different states and countries. My hall has people from Missouri to California, Georgia to Japan. Approaching someone in New York often results in frightened looks or mean glares, but at Wash. U. people are more than happy to be asked a question. In fact, they seem to enjoy it. In New York, I can walk down a street with people from the Dominican Republic, Russia or Pakistan, and never say a word to them, but at Wash. U. everyone seems to get along so easily. People from these places are no longer strangers, but my neighbors.

Leaving New York, I was afraid that I would never again be able to walk out of my apartment and enter the subway or hop on a bus that I could count on arriving every 5 minutes. And while I’m pretty sure that St. Louis’s public transportation system does not compare to that of New York, I have learned that people are much more than willing to help you around campus or direct you to your dorm.

I guess my point is that I was afraid that by leaving New York City I would end up in a sheltered and isolated environment. New Yorkers can be provincial. We think our city is the only city. Though people here are more likely to have heard of Nelly than the Harlem Diplomats, they all have interesting stories to tell and are all motivated, driven, and excited about their futures.

The people I have met have been more than willing to talk to me about themselves and to tell me about what they have learned about St. Louis. The friendly attitude of the staff and students has made me much more willing to view Wash. U. as a second home to the city.

Also, being in a place where two-bedroom apartments do not cost more than one million dollars is a definite plus.

Meredith Schlacter

Even though Washington University students come from different backgrounds, all freshmen can bond over entertainment. Almost everyone entering the University this fall has brought with them the staples of relaxation: music and movies. Students here may plan on activities, classes and athletics, but there is nothing like a little study music or a favorite television show to help relax after a long day.

The general opinion among the freshmen class is that nothing helps you relax more than laughter. Regardless of whether the first DVD packed was “Arrested Development” or “Super Troopers,” cinematic entertainment is kind of a big deal here.

Knowing what kinds of entertainment a person prefers is an opening into their personality.

“[Movies] are a great way for people to get to know who I or others are without asking the same questions. If they bring all this comedy, you can tell they’re kind of lighthearted, but if they bring all these heavy dramas you can tell they’re kind of intense,” said freshman Natacha Lam.

Regardless of movie choice, DVD collections can be conversation starters.

In fact, movies are Umrath 1’s floor theme. Over the summer, students gave the Resident Advisor a list of their four favorite movies. The RAs used these to make door signs with the students’ names, their favorite movie cover and a famous quote from the movie. According to RA David Kramer, walking into the dorm room gives the residents an instant bond.

“Any movie that’s really funny, you can always feel comfortable quoting that movie and it gives you an instant connection with that [other] person,” said Kramer.

Since all of the dorms have televisions in their lounges, it is not necessary to bring your own television or DVDs to enjoy college entertainment.

“A lot of floors bond over shows like ‘Lost’ or ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ and everyone finds a friend’s dorm room or the floor’s lounge,” said Kramer.

International students enjoy their entertainment as much as the rest of us, but between the laws regarding what they can bring into the country and traveling halfway around the world, DVDs and CDs take a back seat to the necessities for college.

“We are just as into [entertainment] as you guys, it’s just that we can’t lug our stuff around like that. So we have our iPod, our laptop and that’s it,” said freshman Aparna Misra.

As tuned into the entertainment scene as the freshman class is, few people know about the perks Wash. U. offers students.

Ruckus music player allows college students to download unlimited music from the Ruckus site. The one drawback is that songs cannot be added to CDs or iPods. Most students, however, agree they will listen to music on their computer.

As everyone moves into the dorms this year, try asking questions about music or movies too, not just about classes and majors.

See if when your roommate thinks of college, they think of “Animal House” as well.

KRT CAMPUS

Lost

“Lost” ended its second season with a satisfying yet puzzling bang, leaving fans to further question the fates of the characters and the meaning behind the island. Michael betrays the group as he sails away, possibly toward safety with Walt. Hurley is released and Jack, Sawyer and Kate remain behind in the hands of the Others. Back at the hatch, Desmond makes his ultimate sacrifice when he releases the buildup of electromagnetism on the island with the turn of a key. Perhaps this electromagnetism had been the very cause of Flight 815’s crash.

Residential Advisor Allison Cartwright thinks the aftermath of the crash could be a sociological experiment, a test of how long people will persevere.

Junior Jake Greenblatt sees the island from a similar angle, comparing the survivors to “lab rats.” He also wouldn’t mind if the aftermath of the crash were “one giant dream,” although it is hard to say if other fans would warm to such an explanation.

Grey’s Anatomy

Moving from the pandemonium of the island to the chaos of Seattle Grace Hospital, “Grey’s Anatomy” gives a window into the ongoing drama between its doctors, interns and patients. Finishing off the season, Meredith reunites with Derek – known to fans as Dr. McDreamy – and deserts her newfound man, Finn. In addition, Burke wakes up to the possibility that he may never be able to operate again, and Izzy quits the internship after Denny’s sudden death. Although most students seem to agree that Meredith is ultimately destined for Derek, some feel that the doctor should feel more remorse for his actions in the second season. Rumor also has it that Mark, Derek’s best friend and Addison’s former lover, will return this season, leading the way for a love quadrangle.

Gilmore Girls

Finally, with its witty sayings and charismatic characters, “Gilmore Girls” lures loyal fans who now find themselves wondering about Rory and Lorelai’s future.

The season finale ended with Lorelai’s ultimatum to Luke to marry now or never. When Luke balks, Lorelai ends up in the arms – and bed – of Christopher. Meanwhile, Rory gives Logan a tearful goodbye as he departs for London. Will Logan ever return?

“Logan will come back for Rory but only after he ‘does his own thing’ in London,” said junior Doris Romero. “He’s truly in love with her.”

KRT CAMPUS

Few films are released that both touch audiences worldwide and begin a cultural phenomenon.

One such movie is “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Inspired by the Disney amusement park ride, “Pirates” has shocked Disney executives with the amount of treasure earned.

Despite lukewarm reviews, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” rocketed to number one immediately after its release. Opening with the highest earning weekend in history, the movie continues to retain the number one position for seven weeks in the foreign box office. It is the sixth biggest release of all time, and has grossed a worldwide total of $923.8 million, surpassing “Finding Nemo” at $866.9 million.

With the success of the second installment of the trilogy, many audiences wonder what surprises are in store for the final installment. Despite Disney’s denials, possible titles for the third movie include, “At World’s End” and “Uncharted Waters.”

Joining the returning cast is Chow Yun-Fat as Captain Sao Feng, a nemesis of Will and Elizabeth. Famous rocker Keith Richards makes a cameo appearance as Captain Jack Sparrow’s father, Captain Grant Sparrow.

As indicated by the ending of “Dead Man’s Chest,” Will and Elizabeth team up with their former enemy Barbossa to rescue Jack and his Black Pearl, having to defeat the Jones/Beckett/Feng alliance. On their journey to the world’s end, Will, Elizabeth and Barbossa pass through the Orient and confront Captain Feng in search of charts to the World’s End. Recovering the ship and its beloved captain is especially critical for William Turner because only the Black Pearl can overtake the Flying Dutchman and thus, release his father from undersea bondage.

This foreboding destination, where Jack and the Black Pearl are supposedly located, is described as a “purgatory,” with white sands and crabs wielding swords. Speculation indicates that such a scene was filmed in the Utah Salt Flats, the home of the white deserts. This cap-off to the “Pirates” trilogy is sure to contain the same unbelievable effects that graced the first and second films.

Of course these plot ideas are pure speculation, but after seeing the second movie, it’s obvious that they have basis in fact. Director Gore Verbinski summarizes the plot of this highly anticipated movie by saying, “it [Pirates] is a conference of the world’s pirate leaders and a treacherous journey to the literal ends of the earth.”

There are many questions to be answered in this last part of the trilogy, to be released on May 25, 2007. Among them: How did Barbossa return from the dead? Will Elizabeth and William finally get married? Will Bill Turner be rescued? And who will gain control of Davy Jones’ heart? Fans will have to wait until next summer to discover the answers. But, as any true “Pirates” fan knows, the most devoted supporter can wait until the end of the world.