Ducks @ Oregon - University of Oregon

In Our Neck of the Woods

David R.

February 8, 2010 - 6:54 PM

Due to the fact that the University of Oregon begins school so late in the fall, I am given the opportunity to go up to Fort Collins and spend some time with my friends who attend Colorado State University. I enjoy doing this because I get to spend time in another college town and see what life is like for students at a different university. Until Thursday I had never been to Corvallis in my life. I had heard plenty of things about it but I had never seen it or Oregon State University with my own two eyes. I went up there to hang out for the night with my roommates who have a few friends who attend Oregon State. When a person chooses which college to attend, choosing one essentially means not choosing every other school. I enjoy visiting other schools because it allows me see college life from a different perspective. After two successful football seasons in a row and widespread popularity due to the recent accomplishments of the baseball team, Oregon State University is making a name for itself in the Pacific 10 conference.

Turning 21 years old is something that every college students looks forward to. My 21st birthday just so happens to be on the 17th of this month. Looking forward to it is making the days seem to pass by slower and slower. Three of my roommates are already 21, so I am constantly catching grief about the fun that I am too young to have yet. It will be nice to no longer be restricted in my social life due to my age. As a freshman, sophomore and junior I have walked by Taylor's, a popular bar for students in Eugene, and been forced to see and hear all of the fun that I am not allowed to have.

Winter term is flying by like most terms do, and it almost time already for my fraternity's annual trip to the Sun River Resort in Bend, OR. Like we usually do, we have rented four houses to accommodate all of the guys in our house and their dates. Each house is supplemented with a hot tub. I am looking forward to be able to relax in the comfortable hot water while being out in the winter wonderland. I enjoy driving through the snow, so I am particularly excited for the drive to Bend. This drive is one of the most scenic I have ever been on and the mountain passes are usually covered with snow towards the top. I was at the mall earlier this week purchasing some new skiing equipment so I think I'll be hitting the slopes while I'm there as well.

When I was walking home yesterday I walked by the famous Johnson Hall that sits just down the street from the student union. As I neared I noticed that there was a protest taking place concerning a questionable group's visit to the University of Oregon. College students are given a lot of power to decide what kinds of organizations are or are not allowed on campus. I had never seen a student protest before, and it was interesting to see how passionate our students can be about certain issues concerning the university. I love the dynamic at the University of Oregon and I am enjoying every minute I get to spend here.