Wednesday, November 3, 2010

my purple pride

{via}
It's been several years since I graduated from university and while I may be in denial about the end of those days, I can’t help but relive them and reminisce about all the good times I had while I was there. So you can imagine my delight when I read that my school had rave reviews in The Globe and Mail's Canadian University Report, an annual survey based on assessments by students about the schools they attend. I'm proud to report that the university I attended finished with the highest ranking in seven of the seventeen criteria in which it was graded. Bishop's University was ranked the highest for, among other things, quality of teaching, satisfaction with town/city, campus atmosphere and most satisfied students...not so bad to be at the top of those lists!
Anytime Bishop’s is mentioned in the news, I’m like a proud mother celebrating her child’s achievements. I can’t help but get a little giddy to know that my alma mater did something worth talking about. Even when it’s bad news, like a flood, fire or foolish freshman (which happens all too often!), my heart still warms at the thought of my little university town pushing their way through any tough time or tragedy. Bump into any alum that went to BU and it’s like you haven’t seen each other since being separated at birth but lived on the same street your whole life. You’d think we were being paid to promote the school with the way we can’t stop babbling about our breakfasts at PizzaVille or walks across the arches. The memories, landmarks and school spirit seem to remain the same throughout the years and so reminiscing about life in Lennoxville is something so hard to explain if you’ve never experienced it. Having one small bar in town to raise a toast with your profs but two Greek restaurants for the post-bar poutine is accepted and embraced. Painting yourself purple during frosh week and again for every football game is not unusual...even if it means showing up to an exam that way because you didn't have time to take a shower first. And missing said football game because tailgating takes on a life of its own is a foggy memory for any proud Gaiter fan. Our school song, which is belted out by students every year to serenade the principal at his house, states “we will never graduate” and I don’t think truer words could be sung (…or slurred!). While I may have taken it for granted during those first few days as a freshman, I’ve come to realize that while I can’t go back, those days will certainly live forever in my heart.

Did you go to college? What was the school spirit like at your school?

14 comments:

Diana Mieczan said...

That is such a sweet post:) I remember those days and I think many of us will have the warm feeling while looking back on college years...It was such a special time:)
kisses,sweetie

Ps: I am hosting a sweet GIVEAWAY today, please join in:)

Lily Riani said...

your uni looks great. ours just another boring building block.

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Wow what a beautiful campus! If only...

I went to college in Orange County, CA. It's a huge commuter school, as with most of our state universities. We don't have a football team, only a few dorms, and nobody really hangs out on campus. We do have a baseball team that is really good and won the College World Series while I was there...yet still not too much spitit :(

Unknown said...

Ha ha, yeah, I do the same thing, get excited! I went to Emory, it's in Atlanta, and I love it! Just went to my 15 year reunion, woo hoo! XX!

Laura said...

I just graduated in May and I am still totally in denial! I go back as often as I can.

Chiara said...

This is such a great post! I can definitely relate to University as a baby haha When I hear something about University of Ottawa I immediately become interested!!
Although unfortunately my university has had a few issues gaining pride from its students... There were constant protests (which I would like to mention, I was NOT a part of) haha
xoxo
www.joiedevivre-chiara.blogspot.com

Sandra said...

Saw in your profile that you're in Vancouver and I had to pop on in to see! I grew up in Chilliwack. I went to UBC 20 years ago.
Currently I'm at the U. of Manitoba in the Faculty of Nursing which I'm pretty sure is the shittiest program in the world.
So am I envious of Bishop's ranking and your pride? Absolutely! I wish I could speak as highly of my current university. Your pride are obvious and your enthusiasm contagious...I'm going to Bishop too!...ok, I'm not, but believe me, I wish I could!

Jude said...

I wish I'd had more time to appreciate college more actually! I do get a weird sense of nostalgia these days, it surprised me actually, when I visit the old campus. I think the more time passes, the more you appreciate these things :)

Jude said...

P.S. I'm a new follower! :)

Nicki said...

Hoorah for school pride! I actually just transferred to the school I'm at now. It's a pretty small school, but has a good amount of school pride!

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

I have never had much school spirit... but that may be because I've been to 4 different colleges.

In high school is was a bit different, I wore my royal blue and white with pride.

Kaylia Payne said...

That's so cool!! It looks really beautiful :) I am exactly like that with my old university. I'm at a different one now, but nothing can ever replace the pride I have for the ANU!

Holly Knitlightly said...

Aw, I think it's great you have such school pride! I never have felt pride for any of the schools I've attended... I'm sure I would have enjoyed university a bit more if I did.

Meghan said...

I graduated from college almost 9 years ago and I still miss it to this day! I am also very proud of my school and love sharing its good news:)