<p>Why do most of the senior columns/editorials seem to have a negative view of their Duke experience? It was kind of depressing to read parts of it.</p>
<p>Read that. It will explain a lot.</p>
<p>More proof of the fact that Elliott is the fing man.</p>
<p>Word!!</p>
<p>Only met the guy twice and I still think he's awesome.</p>
<p>To be honest, the mood on campus this spring has really been soured with all of the events surrounding the LAX situation and because the national media has sensationalized it.</p>
<p>The administration has been cracking down on large-scale partying events, which is what most complains are about.</p>
<p>This might be in response to the LaX scandal or something, but students are not happy with the lack of sanctioned parties available</p>
<p>I agree about the increase in regulations by admin.</p>
<p>*Perhaps my greatest obstacle is that I don't have many nice things to say about Duke. I have problems with the lack of intellectualism on campus, the fact that the social scene revolves entirely around alcohol and the materialism and elitism that characterize a large percentage of the undergraduate population to name a few. I've certainly had more downs than ups in my time here, and I have the scars to prove it. </p>
<p>The thing about scars, though, is that they mean the wound has healed. They mean that the pain has gone away. They are a reminder that even though life hurts sometimes, it won't hurt forever. </p>
<p>Although college can be the best time of a person's life, it is also one of the most difficult. Duke especially offers its students a unique set of challenges (like effortless perfection), and I've watched Duke's campus culture chip away at far too many people's self-esteem and self-awareness. I've seen the harm Duke can do, and that's what makes it so hard to come up with something positive to say.*</p>
<p>How accurate is this? I was looking at Duke but that seems really depressing. I know the lax scandal probably dampened the mood but this seems to go beyond that.</p>
<p>That guy would probably be miserable at any college, hth.</p>
<p>As with life in general, experiences at Duke can vary - while myself and all of my friends love it here, some people apparently have had some tough things happen. A friend of mine who works on the chronicle says that these are more for the editors themselves than as a representation of student opinion - this was in response to us all going, "Wow, that was a downer..." </p>
<p>All the seniors I know are both excited and sad to leave - they can't believe 4 years are already finished. I too can't believe how quickly my sophomore year passed me by, particularly knowing more than have my time here is done (as I am going abroad). The things she didn't like are things that are, like it or not, problems found throughout our society in general. What matters is how you live your own life - that is, I don't drink if I don't feel like it, and I have amazing discussions with people I have only met outside of class once or twice - or randomly on the bus! </p>
<p>When I read this column, the first thing I thought was, "People are going to read this and think that this is the general sentiment of graduating seniors"...which is a gross misinterpretation! This is more of a reminder to make good choices, find your niche, and know yourself well enough to be content and thrive in an environment with a fun amalgam of individuals. </p>
<p>I think I managed to say absolutely nothing above, but I hope you get a sense of what I meant, lol.</p>
<p>Like anything, I think there is a grain of truth in it. However, I really think its been exaggerated. For me, this has undoubtedly been the most amazing year of my life so far.</p>