Some friendly advice

Class of 2008, as my contribution to your college initiation, I have decided to offer a tidbit of wisdom that if followed correctly would lead you to a fitter, happier and more productive life at this hallowed institution. Think of this as invaluable knowledge that has taken someone considerably less bright than you three years to amass. However, do not misunderstand my willingness to impart such revelations as purely philanthropic. I am after all an opportunist, taking advantage of this chance to shape young Princetonians when they are most vulnerable and malleable. But you need not worry. This will benefit you. Or at least so my temporarily inflated senior ego tells me.

One of your first challenges will be picking classes. No matter how academically prepared you think you are, nothing will ready you for the mind numbing process that is course selection. If you are like me and still can't decide after six semesters between Post Modernist French Romanticism and Automated Control Systems (yes, a course on robots), then you will find the cornucopia that is the Course Offerings booklet both exhilarating and disorienting.

The administration routinely advises students to "shop" for classes during the first week to help them in their selection process. Following this obediently, freshmen spend their first week running frantically from class to class, campus maps in hand, only to realize that all they've accrued at the end of the week is a stack of syllabi detailing grading policy and office hours and an appreciation for how eloquently professors can speak about precept attendance. My alternative solution: Spend time talking about classes with returning students, your OA and CA leaders, RAs, and neighbors. Pick on those who've actually been through the grind of a couple of semesters. For the truly undecided, spend some time course shopping at the book store. There's no better way to find out what's going to keep you up during those late nights than to preface some of that reading first.

For many of you, your first precept will be rather daunting, especially if you find yourself situated next to an upperclassman that seems to have an uncanny ability to speak extemporaneously on material that wasn't even in the reading and using words that you thought were buried forever with your SAT prep books. The truth is that material that he's spewing so eloquently probably wasn't in the reading. In fact, listen more carefully and you might realize that this convoluted delivery of words actually has little substance. Welcome to the art of BS-ing that so many of us have mastered. My advice to you is to steer clear of this misguided art. Unfortunately, far too many of us are seduced by its ease and leave here with underdeveloped minds.

As you are about to experience Princeton's social offerings, keep in mind that there are more options than what is most readily available. The Street and its happenings are, for better or worse, the center of our social scene, but it certainly doesn't encompass the entire spectrum. Don't ever think that the mass exodus to the Street every weekend is all this campus has to offer. All too often students fall into the trap of becoming unconsciously addicted to particular social environments. Keep your eyes open and be ready to accept and experience the entire gamut of social opportunities available here.

Finally, I end with an unspoken secret. Freshman often enter Princeton in awe of those older than them. Sure, we upperclassman do command a certain aura that comes undoubtedly with experience and age. But, between you and me, let me tell you that we are also in awe of you. You come from diverse backgrounds and cultures sharing stories from all over the world, while we have been secluded here for the last three years reading about the rest of the world. You talk about your passions and interests, while we drone incessantly about our theses, getting that consulting job and not wanting to live at home next year. The truth is we have just as much to learn from you as you from us. So take this advice and be proud to know that you guys can teach us a thing or two as well. Kyle Meng is a civil and environmental engineering major from Chappaqua, N.Y. He can be reached at kmeng@princeton.edu.