University of Oklahoma - Sooner Yearbook (Norman, OK)

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combination. Sometimes living the distance away from campus that I do causes problems, but there are a lot of smaller benefits to be gained from keepin'g your home...at home.'l Obviously one of the problems involved in the life of a commuter, particularly those that live at home, is the driving. There was never a time when Dick could just run over to campus, as every trip to the University was a major effort, particularly when gas bills began adding up. It does present some difficulties, commented Pryor. I have to make sure that I take care of all my errands, and necessities at one time. And of llDll ll WONg THE 24 DWCK PHIWOR course it helps to plan my classes for the day all together. Not only did Pryor have to be a master at programming his daily schedule, but he also often found himself living out of his car. Extra clothes, a sack lunch, and every once in a while a toothbrush in the back seat enabled Dick to have a more relaxed day, free from unnecessary driving. Outside of just attending classes, Pryor was involved in various activities at CU, the most interesting of which was Dick's work at KGOU, the University's studenterun radio station. A regular broadcaster as well as a sportscaster for the station, Pryor enjoyed his work at KGOU, first because he likes music and second because he loves sports. Asked to comment on his experiences as a UL, Pryor quipped, Well, I got asked to play a lot of weird music. Pryor has his

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The title of commuter is attached to a wide variety of students, and thus incorporates a great range of lifestyles. From OU students who live in the many apartment complexes adjacent to campus to those people who drive from Oklahoma City or other outlaying towns to classes in Norman, the commuting life is many things to many people. And within this grouping is of course included those people who maintain their residence at home, living with their parents in Norman or nearby areas. Obviously, the pressure of collegiate academics coupled with the pressure of family living makes for a unique student life-style. Such is the case with Dick Pryor. Dick Pryor, a junior and a business major at the University of Oklahoma, lives with his mother in an average residential home on Kansas Street in Norman. Asked of the relative advantages and disadvantages of living at home while attending college, Dick said, It makes for a strange OPPOSITE: The decor of Pryoris room exhibits not only his enthusiasm for athletics, but his loyalty to the Big Red. LEFT: Dick, in a passive mood, talks about the unique life of a commuter and the problems it entails. BELOW: Studying is a part of every student's life and Dick, being no exception, maintains a special place in his room for just that.

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own tastes in contemporary sounds, such as Chicago and the Beach Boys, but remembers requests telephoned into KCOU which were on the outer fringe of musical tastes. Of course, Pryor made an effort in his role as a broadcaster to satisfy all such tastes among his student listeners. Dick also acted as a KCOU sportscaster, covering basketball games, wrestling matches, and baseball. Pryor probably enjoyed this aspect of his radio work most, because of his own love for athletics. I've always enjoyed sports, especially OU BELOW: Dick and his mother chuckle as, in trying to describe a student's life as a commuter, they recall past events and memories. mm m m. J 5E OPPOSITE: The cozy, traditional atmosphere of the Pryor home is reflected in the face of a grandfather's clock, which stands in the living room. sports. I follow the football team pretty close but my favorite is baseball. Outside college studying and activities, Dick maintains his ties at home. Living with his mother, Pryor and she have developed a strong affection for one another. An elementary school teacher in the Norman public schools, Mrs. Pryor realized the pressures on Dick as a student and worked to make his life as a commuter as enjoyable as possible. We have a working partnership here at home she said. And it seems to work out pretty well. Future plans for Pryor entail ending his life-style as a commuter. Dick, as a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, plans to eventually move into the house and experience student life near the University itself. I'm looking forward to moving into the Belt house, but it's hard to justify paying extra money for a room there,when l have a home right here. Even so, Pryor has enjoyed the commuting life and realizes the lessons it has taught him while coping with college. It takes a lot of patience and determination to make it through four years of college. And you can double that patience and determination which is needed, when you do it as a commuter. BELOW: Mrs. Pryor discusses not only the problems but the enjoyments of having her son attend OU as a commutert . ii? - K X 25