This past Monday, I watched fellow freshmen react to The Daily Reveille’s rather racy Oct. 1 edition, which featured a front page dedicated to a story on “glory holes.” I watched as their mouths dropped in horror at the topic and their eyes widen in admiration and sometimes repulsion that a student newspaper would choose to cover such a topic. I, too, was shocked by the story. More importantly, I was slapped with the realization that, as American Idol-turned-country star Carrie Underwood croons about post-American Idol life, “I ain’t in Checotah anymore.” College, as it should, has opened my eyes to many new things – some favorable and others, like the existence of glory holes, not so favorable. Former firmly held ideals have adapted into those more suited for life as a college student. I was taught that skipping class would cause the apocalypse and render me poor and jobless – a failure. Now, with a few skipped classes under my belt, I realize the world does not end when I skip class. In fact, skipping class is sometimes a necessity – any sane upperclassmen would not hesitate to point that out. I was also taught that you should do all of your homework. Although I disposed of this years ago, I tried to believe I could redevelop this habit in college – I was mistaken. I do not completely slack off, but some missed assignments are inevitable. With these new ideals come new dangers. Now I have to wonder if the guy in the next stall tapping his foot to “It’s Raining Men” is coming on to me rather than just trying to expedite his business on the john. Although I have never set a foot in Underwood’s small Oklahoma hometown, I identify with the feeling of entering a whole new world. And sometimes, like Dorothy, I wish I could click my metaphorical red heels and go back home. In spite of those times, I am ready to trade those heels in for more suitable purple and gold Crocs. There is a whole new world to discover, and to quote another country singer, Gretchen Wilson, “I’m here for the party.”
—-Contact Allen Womble at [email protected]