Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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College fails i By TODD SCHOLL Columnist When I was in eighth grade, I started to really take school seriously. My parents, teachers and friends told me that I needed to do well so that I could get into higherlevel courses in high school. I was told I needed to work hard aiiu gei guou giaucs 111 uicst i-uuiaes so I could get into college. Once in college, I was to study hard and maintain a decent GPA. I was also supposed to get involved in extracurricular activities. This prescription would put me in position to start a great career and earn plenty of money. This was the promise. Now I find myself and most of my friends close to graduation day wan no outstanding joo oppuuuiuties, no money and not many choices. I do not mean to moan and complain about how hard my life is. but 1 was always under the impression that if I played by the rules, I would be compensated. However, it seems like die people who didn't follow the rules are doing better than I am and making more mnnev ? J . What is the point in spending four years, several thousand dollars (much of which went into parking meters at spaces which were nearly impossible to find) and countless hours in many classes, which were not even remotely applicable to my Y T/^ rX UbL spirit cap By KEVIBERLY EVERITT Columnist Since I started looking for a job about two months ago, I have become accustomed to many of the common interview-type questions. I've heard the "Where do you see yourself in five years?" question and the dreaded, "Tell me a little about yourself' question. I'm sure I've interviewed with at least a dozen potential employers and read more than 20 self-help books to learn how to respond to these open-ended questions. But one question stumps me every time. I am always prepared to answer it because I know it's coming. In fart I have nrartirrrt niimernn<i responses to put me at ease when the question is asked. Actually, just three days ago I was sitting at an oak table in a large, air conditioned office when the question popped into the open air. "Why did you choose to go to USC?" Silence. 1 had to get my thoughts together. After all, that was four years ago. Flashback to April 1989. I was a senior at Arundel High School near Annapolis, Maryland, failing Algebra II and deciding where to spend * expectations chosen field, when all I get is a jobless job market in the end? 1 suppose I could get work at the mall, but I worked there in tenth grade. O ~ r kn..n OUIIie Ul lily piuiosuis naw been inspirational, but most have no enthusiasm and no idea how to capture the attention of a young adult. Most of them have relied on dry sleep-provoking lectures, which are nothing but facts I can read in a book if I choose to. Why should I pay for somebody to spew information when I can go to my local liKram; far ffAA1^ II l_'l Ct-l J 1U1 live . Professors need to engage students and stimulate thought. They need to make the students understand why the material is important, and how it affects them. Most of my experience has been rote memorization of facts contained in my notes and highlighted in my books. That is not education. That is preparation for a Jeopardy contestant. I don't want to be totally negative. I could go on about racism, sexism, homophobia, etc., but I must say that I have enjoyed my years at Carolina. Working at WUSC. has been a great joy. Learning to appreciate diversity has built my character. I just wish my fouryear investment could have yielded something more: the undoubtedly bright future I was promised back in eighth grade. * ' * i 1 i tivates siuaeni the next four years of my life. I visited many schools, including the University of Maryland, before I found out about USC. I flew down and visited the school. There was so much spirit, so much genuine enthusiasm for the school. And there was so much pride in USC's established reputation and traditional heritage. 1 caught the spirit. And instantly, I knew where I belonged. That spirit was something unique to USC, something I had never felt before. The southern way of life generated kindness beyond compare. In the past four years at Carolina. I have learned many things. While 1 may not remember everything I learned in all my 45 classes, I will always remember the way that Carolina made me feel. I hope you have felt it, too. Maybe at a football game when 2001 blared from the speakers, or at a late night pizza party in your freshman dorm. Perhaps it was dur ing a fraternity service project at the children's home, or when a tough professor gave you an "A" on a project you slaved over for a month. Whatever it was, remember it, and cherish it. Then share it with someone. It's die little things that truly make a difference at USC. Columbia bu< By HOLLY LIBOFF i Staff Writer ; The end of die yew is approaching, and soon parents, relatives and ' friends will be arriving in Colum- I bia to watch their favorite seniors 1 graduate. Many of Uiese guests are Irom out oi town, ana win neeu places to stay and things to do. * Hotels are filling up fast, but I there is still space available. Com fort Inn at 2205 Main St. is offerABP IKVNBh A Fondue Restaur* Open 7 Nights Wei from 5:UUpm Intimate Booths an Semi-Private Rooms Ave 731-8500 1410 Colonial Life Blv< i*?yp Dowr to Caroli The Comfort Inn ? Caj graduation ceremonies The rate includes... Complimentary Cor Complimentary 2H< Outdoor Pool & De Full Exercise Room Corporate Guest W< ivt AAtivinr q-nono aT/QI 1T1^CU110 UJJUW Free Parking Color TV With ESF Non-Smoking Roon finesses welcc ng a S44 per niglu Hat rale lor m uiyone in town tor graduation. The ra totel has been newly renovated has las a full exercise room, outdoor ff "tool ;uid deck. It also offers a coin- ki alimentary continental breakfast. The Whitnev Hotel, at Devine et ind Woodrow streets, is offering ra ane-bedroom suites at $89 plus tax in per night. It also has two-bedroom ar suites at $109 plus tax per night, sti The rooms are much like apart- in jaiiahi 1T| ant i nt d., West >rt Inn ? Capital itown Columbia - 3/4r na Coliseum & USC C oital City is offering friends a special $44 (phis local tax itinental Breakfast Daily our Cocktail Reception Mon ck orkroom with Fax, Copier & lable 'N, CNN &HBO is Available For reservations call 252-6321 )me parents cms. Breakfast is included in the te. For graduation. The Town House oiel at 1 rS 1S Ciervais St is offering ng-sized rooms for S60 per night. Hotel spokespersons also gave sug:stions on some high-quality restaunts visitors may enjoy while staying Columbia. Henessy's Restaurant id Lounge at Main and Blanding reels serves steals ana npsn seaioou a relaxed atmosphere. !luS W r 1 r , i. ,? ;, \v-. /.V. V :/.K - '4 ggsSigfc?; VKtili J t.in-Iff P SS&p#4 City ^ nile Campus and family attending ) for 1-4 person(s). -Thur 5:30-7:30pm Phone > jd Bp