Every semester since I first came to N.C . State, I’ve gotten to introduce myself to my classes. “Stand up and tell us your name, major, and why it’s your major.” I wish all the different colleges would have introduced themselves before I arrived on campus. After three years here, this is what I think the colleges would have said, along with a new slogan for each.
1) “Helping to feed the world.” -CALS
The students of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences learn about the different aspects of agriculture and the life sciences. After the College of Engineering, CALS is the largest college within the University. Although most people think that CALS majors end up going back home to the farm, many don’t.
2) “I don’t need to sleep – ever!” -COD
Design students don’t sleep. Ever. Studio lasts through the night, only to resume with classes the next morning. In all honesty, I have the utmost respect for College of Design students. I have no idea how anyone does it. They deserve more respect than they get.
3) “I want to make a difference” -CED
All education majors are obviously in it for their love of teaching, because no teacher or educator does it for the money. It’s no secret that educators are the most underpaid people. Currently, there is a Facebook post circulating on my news feed about how teachers are underpaid and would make better wages if they were paid as babysitters.
4) “I want to make lots of money.” -COE
All engineers are either good at math and science, or think they’re good at math and science, and want to make a lot of money. The College of Engineering is the largest college at N.C. State by far. However, engineering students deserve as much respect as Design School students. They spend hours and hours completing homework and studying for classes that sound impossible to me.
5) “Where all the easy majors are” -CHASS
CHASS majors are stereotyped as having it easy. However, it doesn’t seem that way to me. I know many CHASS majors who end up spending hours each week writing different papers and studying for tests. My brother is a CHASS major, and he has been complaining about the number of research papers he has to write for his final exams this semester.
6) “The leaders of tomorrow being created today.” -COM
The N.C. State College of Management is all about becoming a leader. It’s a relatively small college within the University, meaning its students receive a lot of individual attention. This is great for future leaders, and makes the students in COM into the leaders of tomorrow.
7) “Saving the world – one tree and one stream at a time.” -CNR
The College of Natural Resources is full of people who feel the general population doesn’t care for the planet. To be honest, it makes sense. According to the CNR website, the CNR is a world leader in the sustainable use of natural resources. Using sustainable practices are always beneficial for the planet, but people have to get the word out.
8) “The innovators of tomorrow – today” -PAMS
This is the college for left-over engineers. These are the people who are good at math and science, but don’t care about the engineering side of things. Students in the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences conduct research and study things that shape our world, like genetics.
”Making clothing safer every day in every way.” -COT
The College of Textiles comes up with some really cool and useful developments in making safer clothing. A “claim to fame” for the College of Textiles is “Pyroman,” which allows for textiles to be tested for their flame resistance. It’s amazing to me that the College of Textiles is coming up with fire resistant clothing.
“I want to spend all my time with the animals.” -CVS
Being a land-grant university, the College of Veterinary Medicine is a great asset. The College of Veterinary Medicine has many different programs in it and also treats animals at their own clinic.
9) “The prologue to the rest of your life” -FYC
First Year College is a great thing. I absolutely loved my one year in First Year College. To begin with, it’s a general introduction to college life. Knowing where the Career Center is and what it is beneficial. Knowing how to write a general resume and cover letter are invaluable things you’ll be glad to know later in life.
10) “I don’t want to be in the real world yet!” –Grad School
The place where once you’re done with your first degree, you can keep going and going until you’ve spent seven or more years in college. Take your time. Don’t rush. Another plus of the graduate school is you’ll make more money than people with a bachelor’s or an associate’s degree.
In the end, the best college is whichever college you pick. Stereotypes, although sometimes pointless and unfounded, will surround us our whole lives. Be who you want to be, be in the college and major that you want to be in and don’t worry about what people think of you.
