- The Record Archives
- Volume CXVIII, No. XXII - December 1, 2005 -
Balance school and social life at Clemens
Dear Tony hopes that you all had a great Thanksgiving. He also wonders if anyone reads this introduction paragraph, or if everyone just jumps to the questions.
So as a test, Dear Tony is
offering a prize for the first three people to correctly respond to this question: "How many football playoff games has Bethel won in its entire history?"
E-mail your answer to Dear Tony at ajcapecchi@csbsju.edu.
Dear Tony,
This semester I have found myself trying to do a fair amount of homework and research in the Clemens computer lab in between my classes. It's always really loud in there with people talking, and I can't get anything accomplished. Any tips on how to stay focused?
- Crazed in Clemens
Dear Crazed in Clemens,
The problem is that you are looking to Clemens computer lab as a place to get work done and be efficient. That's ridiculous. Everybody knows that the Clemens computer lab is the most social place on the St. Ben's campus.
The "Quiet Study Area" sign makes socializing at the Clemens lab all the more compelling.
Sometimes if I have half an hour to kill, I'll stop by the Clemens computer lab just to hang out and see who's there.
So try thinking of it this way: Clemens computer lab is like the bar, only without the alcohol.
It's the place to go if you want to be social and see a lot of people. Granted it's a little too hectic in there to have an in-depth conversation, but at least you can see all your friends and smile and say hi.
And if you see a cute Bennie at the printer (Clemens' version of the dance floor), quick print something off, then step up to the plate and do your best "Is-this-what-you-printed?" shuffle.
Dear Tony,
I am constantly hearing my guy friends say, "I don't want to be ‘that guy.'" Upon questioning who exactly "that guy" is, I received a few vague responses and shrugged shoulders.
Although I'm sure you are never "that guy," I hope perhaps that with your wisdom in these matters you could offer me some insight as to who "that guy" is.
- This Girl
Dear This Girl,
"That guy" is no one individual person. He represents the worst of all us, and I'm afraid, at times, his spirit resides in each of us.
For example, "that guy" is the clown who crashes your party and then throws up on your couch.
"That guy" is the obnoxious loud-mouth who brags about himself constantly and often uses the phrase "it was way sweet, man." He's the guy who calls you
Maria even though you've told him four times your name is Mary.
The key to avoid being "that guy" is self-awareness. Before you commit any foolish action or make some regrettable comment, ask yourself, "Is this the type of thing a Tommie would do?"
If the answer is "Yes," don't do it.
Just remember, we all make mistakes, so don't beat yourself up if you have been "that guy" before. The key is simply making people forget about your mistakes by pointing out others'.