St. Lawrence, to put it gently, is a bubble, or isolated enclave in which reality is momentarily suspended. However, that moment can either make or break you, which is the conundrum for us Laurentians. Both of my parents, uncle, aunt, and several cousins all went to St. Lawrence, making this issue even more evident. My father warned me of the pitfalls of SLU: being sucked into the party culture of drugs, alcohol and promiscuous sex. He stressed the value of hard work, self-discipline, and career-centered thinking— not living for this present moment and chasing the status and fame of today but gaining the necessary skills to succeed in the fields of tomorrow.

Instead, many Laurentians, unfortunately, take the broad road of alcohol, drugs, and promiscuous sex, which fails to appreciate the actual value of the university. There’s nothing wrong with drinking and partying in moderation, but to make it your social life is foolish. Additionally, traversing St. Lawrence academically without a clear plan is a foolhardy adventure. Even if your parents are affluent beyond measure, such a false education is not worth your time. Instead, every Laurentian should be focused on the future, not the present, what post-SLU looks like, whether it is some Graduate school or Career path. The resources of the university are there to achieve this. All we must do is use them.

However, in addition to the prevalence of the party culture, there is another major flaw with us Laurentians: the pursuit of social status. Now, social status in specific contexts should be pursued, however, not at a temporary four-year university, which has no future importance. Particularly with the high allocation of time and resources that is required to attain high social status, which could otherwise aid your academic performance or develop skills for a future career. I see it repeatedly, friends and enemies alike, all chasing fleeting fame and neglecting the impending future of tomorrow. Fame is temporary, and pursuing its pleasure leaves one vain, arrogant, and devoid of any life, purpose or meaning. In the end, we sow what we reap, and the harvest, while not immediate, will come. Therefore, find the narrow path which leads to success and prosperity, and you, the victor, the spoils will come. Good Luck, Laurentians!!!