Of course, Wake is full of diverse groups that can’t be defined by just five or ten categories. But in order to keep this article from being fifteen pages too long, I narrowed the list down. So here it is: the ten people you will definitely meet during your time at Wake Forest!
The Overachiever
Their home base may be the library, but the overachiever is also involved in so many different campus activities that they never stay in one spot for long. The only place they never frequent is their dorm room, because they don’t have time to sleep or relax. If they absolutely need to rest, a 10-mintue nap in the red room will suffice. And these people just get busier every year, joining more honor societies and service organizations every time a new application comes out.
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The WFU-Outfitted Athlete
No one represents school pride the way our Demon Deacon athletes do. Whether they’re on the field or in the classroom, Old Gold and Black follows them everywhere. Their entire wardrobes consist of sweatshirts and sweatpants that read “Wake Forest Football” or “Wake Forest Tennis.” Their identity seems to be wrapped up in the sports that they play. At least some students are still enthusiastic about our athletic programs!
The Conservative Prep
Typically Southern, this student isn’t afraid to rock pastels! Proudly carrying on the tradition of wearing sundresses and bowties to football games, the conservative prep is most likely a member of Young Republicans, with a Romney bumper sticker displayed proudly on his or her vehicle. Although the amount of monogrammed items that they own may scare the average person, they tend to be extremely nice, abnormal variety of Sperry’s aside.
The Frat Star/Business Major
It’s no coincidence that most business majors are in fraternities. As the saying goes, those who work hard play hard. You can find this guy in any one of the fraternity lounges around campus. During the week it’s business suits and proposals, but on the weekend, it’s beer and babes. Whether vacationing at a brother’s summer home, or hitting the golf course for a friendly round, every activity holds a life lesson for these future CEOs.
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The Do-Gooder
Unlike the overachiever, the do-gooder’s #1 priority isn’t academics. Most of the time, they aren’t even on campus due to the many hours they donate to community service activities. Whether playing with under-privileged kids during an after-school program or delivering food with Campus Kitchen, these Wake students love to help others! Who has time for homework when you have to complete 100 service hours?!
The Northerner
The Northerner received quite the culture shock upon arrival at Wake. They were met with looks of disgust when they wore a tie-dye t-shirt and face paint to the first football game. They had their first taste of shrimp and grits. They barely survived sorority rush. And they were extremely confused by the term “shagging.” Of course, while they may seem like the odd-man out at times, the Northerner always gets a laugh at the natives’ reactions when it snows.
The International Student
Wake likes to promote diversity on campus, but let’s be honest – compared to other schools, our campus is seriously lacking. Since my freshman year, the number of minority students has increased slightly, but you do tend to feel sympathetic for the lone foreigner in your American Literature class. I have to give them props for stepping outside of their comfort zone, but if they’re hoping to bond with others in a similar situation, they may have to make a trip to Durham.
The Townie
If they answer the “where are you from?” question with “Winston,” I place them in the “townie” category. These students take their laundry home on weekends, may have their mom or dad as a professor, and know the correct pronunciation of Buena Vista. They also laugh at students who get freaked out by the intersection fondly referred to as “Five-points.” But, the real questions is, will they ever leave North Carolina?
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The Underachiever
Do you ever look over at the person sleeping in the corner of the classroom and wonder how they got into Wake Forest, or how they haven’t flunked out yet? Chances are, you’re looking at the elusive underachiever, definitely more difficult to find than the overachievers. Look for these telltale signs:
- Never does work.
- Is hungover most of the time.
- Didn’t submit their SAT or ACT score when applying.
- Sleeps during the day, stays up all night.
- Doesn’t know who the possible presidential candidates are.
This person typically lives in Scales or the Wake Radio studio and is rarely seen without a pair of skinny jeans on. Whether they tote around a guitar, bike, or canvas, they never lose sight of the thing they value most: their uniqueness. The only problem is that every hipster seems to pretty much look and act the same… And their hatred of the business school pretty much equals their hatred of the Greek system.
While these ten “types” of people do not encompass the entire student population, they certainly exist at WFU! And our campus would truly not be as wonderful without all of these groups represented. Even the underachievers are here to make us overachievers feel better about ourselves! So let’s raise a glass to the “Ten People You’ll Meet at Wake Forest”: the good, the bad, and the Vineyard Vines-clad!