State Street after dark. The quaint street sheds its charming daytime appeal for the bustle and mischief of night. Crowds of people emerge from their homes, their naps and their boredom with the same quest: to have a good time.
""A good time,"" however, has many different definitions depending on whom you talk to. And as we change from freshmen to seniors, this definition changes with us.
Let's capture this evolution with some good old-fashioned, very real interviews.
Freshman
I'm drunk. It's Monday and I'm drunk. No—it's Tuesday and I'm drunk. Wait, is it Wasted Wednesday yet? What's my name?
Freshman
Why does everything have to be about alcohol all the time? Why can't I leave my dorm room without being bombarded by an onslaught of slurred words, blatant horniness and dubious intentions? Why can't we all just read some Emerson and Thoreau, talk about it afterward and go to bed at a reasonable time? Why am I asking so many questions?
Sophomore
I don't know why, but going out on Thursday just doesn't seem as attractive to me anymore. I'd rather make countless poor decisions all in one Friday night than spread them throughout the weekend. That way, when I wake up Saturday morning, I'll feel like I've accomplished all the things I needed to at a much quicker rate. I'll feel more productive. (momentarily engaged in a deep thought) Yes! That's it!
Sophomore
What's ""a good time?"" What does that even mean? That's like trying to define the ""sophomore slump."" I've never even heard of the sophomore slump. But you know what I have heard of? Jumping off a building. Yeah. Supposedly, if you do, you'll not only fall several stories, but you just might injure yourself... and die. Yeah, die. Die. Die. Die. Isn't that crazy? Ha! So funny! Really, really funny, right? (starting to fidget) I have to go.
Junior
I'm ready to have a good time. Why? Because I've finally decided on my major. Here it is: Scandinavian Studies with an Old Norse emphasis. Oh! And also a certificate in Medieval Studies and Dance. Yes!! Real world, here I come!!!
Junior
I'm actually studying abroad in Australia in the spring so, right now, ""a good time"" includes everything but commitment. I mean, what's the point? I only have a couple of months here—and there. Soon, I'll be gone; the world will be my oyster. I'll stand atop mountains, explore historic monuments, broaden my horizons... and go down under with countless Aussie men with incoherent dialects, blonde hair and ripped abs. Mmmmm. (noticeably salivating) Ugh! Can't my flight just leave already?
Senior
What's ""a good time"" when there's a 60 percent chance of rain today and a 5 percent chance I'll get a job after college? Crap! Holy hell.
Senior
Let's get messed up! Let's drink! Let's forget everything! Let's do all the things we've always wanted to do but never did because we were too scared and considered the consequences! Who cares about consequences? I don't! Hell no! Why? 'Cause I'm the oldest! I'm on top of the freaking world! YEAH BABY LET'S LIVE THIS SHIT UP!
As for myself, a senior here at UW-Madison, a good time means nothing more than spending countless hours with friends, remembering everything and basking in this year that is my last. No matter what your definition of ""a good time"" is, don't just make it good—make it great!
Welcome back.
Looking for ""a good time""... or want to share your own? Send an e-mail to gleicher@wisc.edu.
