Welcome to the second installment of Expectations Vs. Reality! Now that my Frosh week is over and the shouting has calmed down a little, I can now tell you what actually happened. But first, make sure you read the first article for, you know, context.

My Overall Prediction

“After a day or two of accidentally elbowing people and getting paint in their eyes, I’ll come out of my shell, make some friends who I haven’t injured, and lead my Dynasty to ultimate victory!”

How it Actually Went Down

First and foremost: no, my Dynasty, the Purple Parrots, did not win the House Cup, although we did place second and won the Cheer Off!

As expected, I found it a little difficult to make some friends and talk to people. My Frosh leaders were friendly and enthusiastic, though, which helped me eventually become more comfortable with the group. On the first day, I had a short, clipped conversation with a girl. We were on the same Dynasty, but different groups, so we weren’t always together, but eventually ended up doing a lot of the events together. We made friends with two guys; one was completely new to both of us, and the other I had actually gone to high school with.

That’s another thing: I never expected so many kids from my school would go here. I mean, I pretty much saw ¼ of my graduating class again. In a way, it’s comforting, because even though I don’t talk to a lot of these guys anymore, everywhere I turn there will be a familiar face.

“We danced, cheered and blew kisses at passing cars and pedestrians.”

As for the events that made up Frosh Week, they were your standard cheesy ice breakers. I didn’t actually get to throw paint at the Paint Party, because it was the Frosh leaders throwing paint at their Froshies. But they played high energy music and had us dance, so that made up for it. The Survivor Challenge was more like the play-days that we used to have in elementary school, with a young-adult twist to them (drinking tomato juice in flip-cup, spelling out big words, etc.) Sometimes we got a little too competitive, but at least we had a passion for what we were doing! It was also my first time going to Medieval Times, which was really cool, though I didn’t stay for the after-party.

Of all the events, my favourite ended up being the parade. After slamming all the other campuses in the sort of anti-climactic Tri-Campus Cheer Off, my school led the train of rowdy students through the streets of Toronto. We danced, cheered and blew kisses at passing cars and pedestrians. People were recording us on their phones and we even had some construction workers dancing with us! It was really cool to see people catch our spirit. What can I say? Fun is contagious.

Sadly, due to nerves, illness, and a busy schedule, I wasn’t able to make it to any of the clubs, the talent competition, the hypnotist, or the formal. I did, however, get a review of the major night club from my friend, just for you SLNers:

“I had a good time with my girlfriends. Coat check was reasonably priced, and they had multiple rooms for people with different music tastes. Unfortunately, we had to wait outside in the rain, and while I had my poncho, many others didn’t and were soaked by the time we got through security. Speaking of, security took away my favourite reusable water bottle even though it was empty. In addition, I felt really underdressed compared to some of the other kids in attendance because their campuses were given time to go home and change, while we went in our Frosh shirts. Despite all that, I would go back again, now that I know how it works.”

Overall Review

While it wasn’t necessarily the greatest time of my life, Frosh week was enjoyable. I would suggest going, because even if you decide not to attend all the events, the ones you do participate in will be worthwhile. And don’t be afraid to talk to people! And to cheer, loudly.

Now I want to be a Frosh leader next year.

ED. NOTE: How was your frosh week? Live up to your expectations? Share below, SLNers.

Photo courtesy: Southern Arkansas University