Student Profile
Sarah
- Class: Junior
- Major: Communications
- Gender: F
- High School: Medina Valley High School
- Transfer Student: N
Big Picture
My ultimate favorite thing about OU is how easily adaptable the campus is. When I first cam to OU I did not know a single soul. When I was dropped off by the parental and saying goodbyes I realized I would be nine hours away from anything I was familiar with. I was scared about this new venture called college for about a minute before the campus opened its arms to me. Offering me all of its friendly people, an assortment of clubs to join, and free activities every weekend it wasnÕt hard to fall in love with OU. Friendly people were not hard to find. Some could call it Òsouthern charmÓ but I feel OU has its own unique hospitality. Perhaps it is the environment. From the beautiful red brick campus to across the street for the eclectic shops on campus corner it is hard not be in a superior mood. If I could I would change how technically advanced the entire school is. Some buildings are equipped but, most are not. OU is is just right in terms of size. The campus is large, but it's all closely nit. Same for the number of students enrolled. It's definitely larger and a step up from high school but not so many people it is impossible to run into a friend. Since I am from Texas... people are generally "What the eff?" when I tell 'em I am going to OU. I would say I spend most of my time on campus at the Bookmark which is a little coffee house downstairs in the library. OU is the ULTIMATE college town everything is built around the university in Norman and the city is only fifteen minutes away. I have been able to get to know administration on campus by being involved in various campus activities and they are superb. They are extremely helpful and always take the time to really listen to students. The biggest recent controversy on campus was probably last year when one of our football players was illegally accepting gifts and was kicked off the team. School pride is eminent here. It's neat to go to a respected and well-known school. Something unusual about OU is there is supposedly some secret tunnels underground.. Creepy. An experience I'll always remember is how I have slowly become somewhat of a football fan since I went to my first game. I never thought anything could make me a football fan. Lack of parking space is perhaps the most frequent complaint from not only the students but the faculty as well.
Academic Life
I have been pretty lucky to get to have some pretty far out professors who can remember my name. My favorite class has been communication for social change with Clemencia Rodriguez. I wanted/want to change the world after taking the class. Least favorite class would be statistics; it was really boring for me as a non-math person. I see people studying all the time at all of our local coffee houses so you can always find a study buddy. Class participation depends on what class you are in I think. Freshman classes don't have a lot of participation but as you go on more people loosen up for some participation. OU students do have a lot of intellectual conversations outside of class. I have met some students that seem more knowledgeable than professors. There are a lot of national merit scholars here at OU. Actually, I think we might have the most in a public university but I don't see a lot of competitiveness among classmates. The most unique class I have taken is Ballroom dancing. It was two hours once a week of lots of girls and a few nervous boys. I couldnÕt ask for more with the University of OklahomaÕs Communication department. Communication was my original major as an incoming freshman to the university. I learned about it through friends and thought it would be a great department to get my bachelorÕs degree in. Falling into this field has granted me with many opportunities to learn with exceptional professors and guidance through itÕs advising. My personal career goal is to obtain a significant position within a large music company and work for the free press of all music. I believe communication has and will continue to prepare me for this goal. Classes within the department have given me the confidence to do tasks like researching, speaking, and writing in excellence and success. I don't spend a lot of time with professors out of class however I do take advantage of office hours. I feel the academic requirements are fair here at OU.
Student Body
There are some extremes with socio-economic statuses evident here on campus. There are lots of girls wearing $200 jackets, $800 purses, and $200 boots which total cost about two semesters worth of food for some. I donÕt think any student could feel out of place here as there are is an eclectic student body. I would say most students dress casually and comfortably to class. Different types of students interact for the most part from what I observe. With four tables of students in a dining hall people would go to where they knew someone at first but if not I see the majority of people here friendly enough and eager to meet new friends. Most OU students are from Oklahoma I would think however; I am also surprised to see how many Dallas Texas students there are. There are students who like to flaunt their financial background as mentioned earlier with their $800 dollar purses, they stand out in my eyes as trying to hard. With the election this year students are publicly politically aware of their support for Barrack Obama but I donÕt see any public interest for any other candidate. I would say students here with mainly mid-American experiences are right sided in the political world. Sometimes I hear talk about money in oneÕs future but it is a real annoyance in my opinion.
The Best Things
All around collegiate atmosphere with a hint of small town charm
The Worst Things
Lack of parking
