University of Rhode Island - Renaissance / Grist Yearbook (Kingston, RI)

Page 11 text:

ill satin On any rainy day between classes, the Quad is overrun by hundreds of strangely shaped, multicolored figures crossing in all directions. It’s nearly impossible to tell any two individuals apart in the constant flow of rain slickers and boots. The colors and shapes reflect in raindrops and seem to double the number of people passing by. So many people. It’s hard to believe that UR I is considered by many a small school. Certainly it’s not comparable to a midwestern or west coast univer- sity; but one can hardly view it as small. There are just too many people to earn it that title. It’s not difficult to lose yourself in the crowds that pass by. Crank up the stereo on a warm spring day, and the sound gets lost in the rest of the high-volume music on campus. Buy the jacket that no one else has, and instantly it’s the most popular garment to be seen. Even your own individual parking space gets invaded frequently by another vehicle. It gets so easy to be a part of the herd— almost involuntarily. Join a fraternity or sorority, and earn the title of ‘Greek.’ Play one varsity sport, and you’ll soon be considered a jock. Na turally, the line you fill out after your name on any official docu- ment will be your own student number. And the question most likely to be asked after an introduction is, “What ' s your major? Still, there must be some degree of in- dividuality. Names and faces are familiar. People are recognized, al- though you ' ve barely met them. Faces are familiar in large lecture halls, in the dining halls or at basketball games. In- dividuals make headlines on a varsity team. Individuals make up the Greek system, organize it, help it grow and give it substance. Individuals take part in a concert, a play or an impromptu frisbee toss. Faces emerge out of the multicolored rainjackets as the sky clears; and individuals greet one an- other by name as they pass. You may order your class ring from one of a number of companies, with an assortment of metals, stone colors, styles and engravings to choose from. It’s guaranteed to be your personal ring, customized to fit and be a part of only you. But, like all others, the ring will be engraved with the words “University of Rhode Island” — the individual’s identification with the Individuals make up the University, at all three campuses. They build it, plan it, run it, celebrate it, occasionally destroy it, and always rebuild it. Most of all, individuals breath life into and characterize an otherwise stagnant mass of buildings.