The students behind the ink

Max Frankel- Staff Writer

12/9/11

Most anthropologists have rejected the myth that the Mayan calendar predicts that the world will end next year. Apparently, a few people have misunderstood a translated codex originating sometime between 250 and 900 CE (because no one knows, obviously).   Sorry to anyone who has recently taken a large dose of ayahuasca and watched the director’s cut of Apocalypto, but next year should be just like any other. Looks like History is going to be in need of some new programming.

The winter has always been a time to ruminate over death and destruction, because lots of things (including humans) die when it gets cold outside. Winter is also the time, if you’re me (which you’re not), to reflect on the myriad successes and failures enjoyed over the past year. While most of my successes and failures should not be recounted here (because some of them are illegal), I will share with you my favorite and least favorite moments of the year.

My first success of the year was being readmitted to William Jewell College after failing out in a manner that could only be described as pyrrhic and impressive. Since returning, I have learned not to fear Student Affairs (Especially you ladies. I love y’all.) and to trust Dr. Beth Gentry-Epley (Seriously, where would I be without you?) with all my secrets. I have also formed closer relationships with my professors, so much so that I will be asking for a bowtie for Christmas (You know who you are. All the love and respect possible).
One of the highlights of my semester was being readmitted to my fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha. In the spring of 2009, I was indefinitely suspended from LCA because I make really poor decisions, and I can be kind of caustic. Being allowed to return was a blessing. It felt like coming home, despite the fact that the house has changed in character since the time of my suspension. Special shout-outs to Nathan Rueb, John Morelli, Tandrew Smith and all of you other knuckleheads.

Outside of the fraternity, I have developed some extremely important and meaningful relationships as well. Without the people close to me, including my family (to whom I owe so much), I would be lost and confused.  I have also hurt people over this past year. I have been shown grace by many, and I am trying my best to deserve it. It is impossible to live a life that causes no harm to anyone. However, my goal for next year is to do fewer things for which I must apologize. Grace doesn’t last forever.

I have learned that asking for help, while difficult, is the only way to get the assistance that I or any of us need. Too often, we are scared to ask for help when we are struggling because doing so indicates weakness. We also fear that asking for help will engender too much dependence on others. However, it is clear that no person can exist in a void.
Looking into next semester, and the end of my junior/senior year, I have to remind myself of the things I need to do in order to be successful. While it’s easy to spend all night talking or watching videos of cats, these things seldom add anything to my education and efficacy. I’m tired of feeling like a chronic underachiever. For a long time, I thought I would wake up one morning and feel different, be different. I’ve learned that this is seldom the case. Change takes hard work and vigilance. It’s also possible to slip back into old habits and patterns. It takes a community of good friends and a positive mentality to avoid doing so, or recover from doing so. Cherish this time. It doesn’t last.