An Unofficial Wrap-Up
Well, my second Unofficial came and went, and I have to say, days like that make me proud to go to school here.
You see, I went through a phase during my freshman year where my insecurities of being in this new environment lead me to believe that I wanted to transfer schools. Fortunately, my parents knocked some sense and reality into me and I returned to Champaign-Urbana for another year. And my God, it was quite possibly the biggest bullet I’ve ever dodged, because this academic hub in the middle of nowhere just so happens to house some of the best people and memories.
Despite the fact that I didn’t wake up at some ungodly hour to start imbibing, I witnessed the chaos of a green wonderland across the Champaign-Urbana campus. Even in 20 degree weather with snow still on the ground, students didn’t seem to mind as they ran around in bright green t-shirts without coats.
If you don’t go to U of I and you live under a rock where the word “Unofficial” doesn’t mean anything, let me enlighten you; the first Friday of March is U of I’s St. Patrick’s day, where your affiliation with the Irish heritage means nothing and you drink out of kegs filled with green beer.
The thousands of brilliant students at this world renowned school still seem to have historical and geographical problems, mixing the old chief mascot with Irish memorabilia. And of course, the university makes its annual Unofficial newsletter, scaring every student’s parents to death, knowing that their precious little babies will be exposed to the God forsaken ills of society.
Yet here we are, days later, and we know that this was definitely not the last year this tradition will continue. Unofficial, as risky as it is, is our school’s brand; it’s our pride and joy and it is probably a deciding factor for most potential students.
Dear Unofficial, we love you, and we hope you don’t go anywhere anytime soon.