The Orientation Issue 2016
2
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
The Orientation Issue
420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1327 www.michigandaily.com
LARA MOEHLMAN
EMILY RICHNER
Editor in Chief 734-418-4115 ext. 1251 larakm@michigandaily.com
Business Manager 734-418-4115 ext. 1241 errich@michigandaily.com
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dear Freshmen,
Newsroom
Office hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. 734-763-2459 opt.3
College can be overwhelming, and we get that. Now you’re on a campus of 43,000-plus students, and there’s no doubt you’ve heard of the countless opportunities the University of Michigan has to offer. From hundreds of student organizations, 260 degrees to choose from and a course guide bigger than your average phone book, it’s a lot to take in. That’s why we’re here to help.
News Tips Corrections Photo Department Arts Section Editorial Page Sports Section Magazine Advertising Department Letters to the Editor
news@michigandaily.com corrections@michigandaily.com photo@michigandaily.com arts@michigandaily.com opinion@michigandaily.com sports@michigandaily.com statement@michigandaily.com Phone: 734-418-4115 dailydisplay@gmail.com
tothedaily@michigandaily.com or visit michigandaily.com/letters
EDITORIAL STAFF Bradley Whipple
bmwhip@michigandaily.com
Managing Editor
Lydia Murray
Managing News Editor
news@michigandaily.com
This issue will help you understand what it means to be a Michigan student. Flipping through these pages, you’ll find insight on the University’s most esteemed athletic programs, tips on where to study and even a list of the best brunch places in Ann Arbor — whatever it is, we’ve got you covered. But what we hope you’ll take away from this issue is that college is a time to take your own passions seriously — it’s a time to learn from those around you, but most importantly to explore your own interests. So while we hope you’ll give our pages a read, we also hope this is just the beginning to your own adventure. Sincerely, Lara Moehlman Editor in Chief
Bradley Whipple Managing Editor
SENIOR NEWS EDITORS: Brian Kuang , Irene Park, Riyah Basha
Jeremy Kaplan Editorial Page Editor opinioneditors@michigandaily.com SENIOR EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR: Caitlin Heenan Ethan Wolfe and Orion Sang
Managing Sports Editors sportseditors@michigandaily.com SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR: Chris Crowder
Alex Intner Managing Arts Editor gbuonomo@michigandaily.com SENIOR ARTS EDITOR: Anay Katyal Marina Ross and Sinduja Kilaru
Managing Photo Editors
photo@michigandaily.com
Miranda Riggs
Managing Design Editor
design@michigandaily.com SENIOR DESIGN EDITOR: Anjali Alangaden
Taylor Grandinetti
Managing Copy Editor
copydesk@michigandaily.com SENIOR COPY EDITORS: Biz Dokas
The Michigan Daily (ISSN 0745-967) is published every Thursday during the spring and summer terms by students at the University of Michigan. One copy is available free of charge to all readers. Additional copies may be picked up at the Daily’s office for $2. Subscriptions for fall term, starting in September, via U.S. mail are $110. Winter term (January through April) is $115, yearlong (September through April) is $195. University affiliates are subject to a reduced subscription rate. On-campus subscriptions for fall term are $35. Subscriptions must be prepaid. The Michigan Daily is a member of The Associated Press and The Associated Collegiate Press. The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
3
4 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Dear Freshmen, As you prepare to enter the University of Michigan, I can imagine you must have a million questions running through your heads: Will I like my roommate? How do I navigate campus? Will my classes be too hard? In your hands, you have a guide of tips from those who have gone through the ups and downs of freshman year, aimed at helping ease your transition. For some of you, this might be the biggest change or move you’ve ever faced; for others, you might be coming in with 20 high school friends and a home-cooked meal waiting only a short drive away. Without a doubt, you will face challenges here unlike those you encountered in high school. You will be surrounded by some of the most brilliant people you’ll ever meet and have access to resources and opportunities of which you could only dream. But despite all the hurdles you will have to climb over and hoops you’ll have to jump through, one of the greatest things you will do on campus is fall in love. You will fall in love with the roaring cheers and excitement of the student section while celebrating the first football game. You will fall in love with your new best friends while sitting in Pizza House at 2:00 a.m. talking about your lives. You will fall in love with your professors at that moment in class when you realize just how brilliant they are and how privileged you are to be learning from them. You will fall in love with the way the Diag looks as the tree begin to change color in autumn. You will fall in love with the sense of kinship you feel with the fellow student on the elevator in the stacks as you move together to the UGLi after Hatcher closes in order to finish your all-nighter. You will fall in love with the Law Quad during the first snowfall when it is blanketed in the peaceful snow, despite your freezing fingers. And you will fall in love with the students throwing Frisbees on the Diag on that first warm day. You will fall in love a thousand times over with all of the little things, those tiny precious moments that will encompass your four years here. Remember to cherish each of the microcosmic pieces of the greater whole that is the University of Michigan, because, before you know it, you’ll be wearing a cap and gown all over again. Sincerely, Lydia Murray Managing News Editor The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
5
Surviving the Dorms Central Campus
Tim Cohn, Daily Staff R eporter
Living on Central Campus can be great. The dorms are close to many of the main LSA academic buildings and libraries, which is a perk not to be undervalued on cold winter days, late nights before exams or before a dreaded 8 a.m. class. Living on Central also means being close to downtown Ann Arbor and its many restaurants, shops and interesting activities. Each dorm on Central is close to study and work spaces, like the Undergraduate Library (also known as the UGLi), Hatcher Graduate Library, the Rackham Reading Room and the iconic Law Library. Students on Central also have two gyms — the Central Campus Recreation Building and the newly renovated Intramural Sports Building. Also within a short walking distance is the Michigan Union, which is home to U-go’s — a convenience store that accepts Dining Dollars and Blue Bucks — fast food restaurants, a Starbucks, as well as multiple student services such as the Counseling and Psychological Services Center, the Spectrum Center — which is commited to an inclusive campus climate for people of all gender and sexualality identifications — and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC).
The Hill
Caleb Chadwell, Daily Staff R eporter Mary Markley Hall has a particularly vintage feel — no air conditioning, cramped rooms, cockroaches — but the atmosphere is lively and fun. Located on the Hill, everything is within walking distance. Classes on Central are only five or ten minutes away. You will never have to use the bus system if you don’t want to — unless you happen to have classes on North Campus — but if you do need it, Commuter North and South stop right outside Markley, which can be convenient for getting to Central when it’s pouring rain or snowing. One of the best aspects of the Hill is its proximity to Nichols Arboretum and the beautiful Huron River. Only a block away, this park is especially nice in the warmer months of September and October (and hopefully April, but Michigan weather can be unpredictable). I’d highly recommend taking full advantage of the hiking trails and nature there as a way to de-stress from school.
North Campus
Emma Kinery, Daily News Editor
August hit and I was in a panic: I had begun packing for my freshman year, attended orientation and had everything I needed for my dorm, except for my acutal room assignment. With a few weeks until move-in, the hope of “anywhere but North Campus” turned to “anywhere.” Being placed in Bursley wasn’t a shock. Despite all of the rumors about Bursley, here’s the thing about living on North Campus freshman year: You don’t know any better. Yes, taking the bus sucks when it’s late at night in February and you just want to get back to your dorm to get an ounce of sleep before the 8 a.m. class you have the next morning. Yes, it’s annoying telling your friends to wait a tad longer because you missed the one weekend Bursley-Baits bus. Yes, the Bursley dining hall is terrible, but the Blue Apple store is convenient (and you can always eat on Central). And yes, you feel cheated when you walk into beautiful dorms like Alice Lloyd and remember your room doesn’t even have a knob to change the heat anymore. But there is a great sense of community of North Campus that doesn’t exist on Central. The situation brings everyone together and builds strong bonds within the halls. North’s vices become virtues: I liked being able to go “home” and have a separation from school. North Campus is also incredibly peaceful and full of wildlife. Don’t fret if you’ve been placed on North Campus. Where you live isn’t as paramount as it seems. North has its perks, and I spent all of my waking hours on Central anyway.
6
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
7
History
COME CHECK US OUT!
FALL 2016 HIST 101: What is History? HIST 224: Nuclear Proliferation HIST 239: The World Before 1492 HIST 280: The Civil War Era in US History HIST 324: Muslims in Europe
8 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Glance a t a s u p m Central Ca EA
E AST LIB
TO N ST
E RT Y S
G E DDE
30
36
20
19
Y
S AVE .
GED
18
T.
17
DES
AV E.
38 16
39
40
37
10 11
1
7
8
TE N AW E AV .
Literature, Science and the Arts Building Michigan Union West Quadrangle South Quadrangle Law Library Museum of Art Tappan Hall President’s House Clements Library Hatcher Graduate Library Shapiro Undergraduate Library Marth Cook Building Ross School of Business West Hall East Quadrangle Weiser Hall Natrual Resources and Environment (Dana) C.C. Little Science Building Alexander G. Ruthven Museum Central Campus Recreation Building (CCRB)
SIT Y
SH
13 HILL ST
AVE .
T
15
D ST.
FO R E S T
E ST R E E
UNIVER
H ST.
M O N RO
WILL AR
C H U RC
4
12
ST R E E T
5
SO UTH
9 TAPPAN
2
3
23
14
A W
6
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
21
28
31
ERSIT TH UNIV
STATE S
E A ST W
ST. ILLIAM
22
32
35
NOR
27
29
34
T.
24
25
ON ST. ST H U R
33
A SHING E A ST W
26
RE ET
21. Stockwell Hall 22. Mosher-Jordan Hall 23. Oxford Housing 24. Mary Markley Hall 25. Alice Lloyd Hall 26. Couzens Hall 27. Palmer Commons 28. North Hall 29. Power Center 30. Chemistry Building 31. Michigan League 32. Alumni Center 33. Rackham Graduate School 34. Modern Lanugauges Building (MLB) 35. Hill Auditorium 36. Kraus Building (Natural Sciences) 37. Mason, Angell, Tisch and Haven Halls 38. Barbour Betsy House 39. Newberry Helen H Residence 40. Student Publications Building The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
9
10
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Performing arts on campus by ALEX INTNER, Summer Managing Arts Editor and ANAY KATYAL, Summer Senior Arts Editor As a student living in Ann Arbor, you will find yourself at the center of a thriving community brimming with art and culture. Several campus and city venues will present you with a wide range of opportunities to take in the kind of talent that both local and globally-established acts have to offer. Some of the first performances you should explore are produced by the School of Music, Theatre and Dance. The school puts on several productions each semester — a mix of plays, musicals, dances and operas found on both Central and North Campuses. Performances feature a variety of talented students, and the shows are sure to make you laugh, cry and experience every reaction in between. There are also many other student-run groups that perform throughout the year. The campus boasts a capella groups, improvisational comedy troupes, and dance, music
and theater organizations that perform year-round. With various student cultural performances, film screenings and evening events, the campus boasts an abundance of artistic escapes. Musket, a completely student-run theater group puts on buzzed-about performances only two weekends per year. A capella groups like the Dicks and Janes, Amazin’ Blue and The Harmonettes pull the style and vocals from both old musical classic and modern hits and apply their own, unique spin. Groove is a percussion group that uses non-traditional instrumentation. There’s also no shortage of comedy — short-form improvisational groups like ComCo and longform improvisational troupes like the Midnight Book Club host performances on campus with huge turnouts (and many laughs). Michigan is also home to a wide variety of multicultural a cappella groups and
dance troupes, including the likes of 58 Greene, Kopitonez, Maize Mirchi and many more. Each club brings something new and exciting to the table, so keep an eye on the events calendar. Beyond Michigan’s own student performers, the University also provides additional channels for arts and culture. The University Musical Society brings all kinds of classical musicians and professional organizations to campus. From singers like Audra McDonald to the New York Philharmonic, a plethora of talented artists and musicians have considered Ann Arbor a prominent destination for the arts. UMS also supports the screenings of recorded Shakespeare productions from the UK. They’re a great way to explore lauded groups from both Ann Arbor and outside
of the city alike. Off campus, there are many venues that have regular performances. The Michigan Theater often brings in major artists and speakers to its stage, in addition to hosting the Ann Arbor Symphony and multiple film festivals throughout the year. The Blind Pig hosts a range of famous musicians and performers, making for exciting concert experiences. Each of them is only a short walk from campus, and they offer unique experiences for students and residents alike. These are only a few of the many options Ann Arbor offers — many of which offer discounted tickets to students. By embracing Ann Arbor’s rich cultural scene, you’ll be hardpressed to be bored in the city.
AMELIA CACCHIONE/Daily
Maya Dance Team performs at That Brown Show at the Michigan Theater on Mar. 26, 2016.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
11
12
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Notes from a Native Michigander Andrew Hiyama, Daily Staff Reporter
Weather
Apparently, it’s a thing that everyone everywhere thinks their weather is the craziest and most unpredictable. Well, let me be the first to tell you: Everyone except Michiganders (Michiganders, not Michiganians) is wrong. Maybe it has something to do with being surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, or maybe all of our automobile factories have some kind of localized amplifying affect on global warming –– I’m not a meteorologist –– but Michigan’s weather is definitely the most hectic. Any in-stater could tell you dozens of stories about a time when the weather did something that wasn’t supposed to be possible. Just earlier this May, I looked out my window and it was snowing. It was also, somehow, 45 degrees. So, when you come here in the fall (or even for orientation), don’t make the mistake of packing light.
Euchre
It’s pronounced “yooker,” spelled “euchre,” and is the only card game worth the hour it takes to learn it. You would be hard-pressed to find anyone outside of Michigan or the immediately-surrounding Midwestern states who has heard of the game, fewer know how to play it. It involves two teams of two players each, uses only half of the deck, and the best cards are “trumps” and “bowers.” Like everything else about Michigan, euchre is equal parts unique and perfect. Learn how to play as soon as you finish reading this, and gain a valuable tool for friendmaking at orientation.
Music
Nature
For a city of 110,000, Ann Arbor boasts a vibrant and diverse music scene. Whether you’re more attracted to weekly shows at dive bars like the Blind Pig or folk shows at The Ark, Ann Arbor will not disappoint you. In the span of the 2015-2016 academic year alone, Hill Auditorium put on concerts from the New York Philharmonic, Migos — and all of Ann Arbor’s high school and middle school orchestras. And as much as it is to people who like to listen to music, Ann Arbor is also friendly to those who like to play it. With a never-ending supply of open-mic nights and a locally-loyal base of music fans, Ann Arbor gives a fair shot to anyone trying to make it in music.
One of Ann Arbor’s most valuable assets — but also perhaps one of the most frequently overlooked by University of Michigan students — is its abundance of natural beauty. Known as Tree Town, Ann Arbor is an inescapably beautiful location, and places like the Diag, the Law Quad and Nichols Arboretum prove that the University is no exception to the rest of the city. However, to get the full Ann Arbor experience, you have to go a little off campus. If you’re here in the narrow window of time when it isn’t winter, make sure to take advantage of the many parks along the Huron River, paddling your choice of canoe or kayak from Argo to Gallup Livery. The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
13
14
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Issues on Campus Brian Kuang, Daily Summer News Editor
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion One of the key priorities of University President Mark Schlissel in his two-year tenure has been the promotion of greater racial and socioeconomic diversity of the student body, faculty and staff. This has been especially challenging because a 2006 ballot measure specifically barred public universities in the state from considering racial background in admissions; the statute also survived a Supreme Court challenge in 2014. To counteract falling minority enrollment while still acting within the bounds of law, the University has sought to directly outreach to low-income and underrepresented communities within the state of Michigan, and has introduced a strategic planning initiative across every school, college and unit of the University. Schlissel rolled out the strategic plan last September, and followed the announcement with a first ever campus-wide diversity summit in November. After consolidating more than 90 planning leads this summer, the University is set to release an umbrella plan this September.
Campus Free Speech In addition to student diversity, Schlissel has argued for the importance of diversity of opinion on campus during his tenure and has been a proponent for sometimes-controversial speakers on campus. In the past year, the University has hosted debates between conservative author Dinesh D’Souza and liberal activist Bill Ayers, as well as between anti-feminist writer Milo Yiannopoulos and feminist author Julie Bindel. Chalkings on the Diag reading “Stop Islam” and “#Trump2016” further blurred the line between free speech and hate speech in April, when more than 50 organizations signed a letter calling for the University to respond in a more timely and effective manner. Just a month later, Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City, delivered a commencement speech to the graduating class of 2016 reaffirming the importance of free expression
Greek Life Following several high-profile incidents involving University Greek life — such as when members of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity caused over $400,000 of property damage to a ski resort in January 2015 — Schlissel proclaimed that Greek life and party culture were damaging the image of the University and vowed to reform the institution. In the subsequent year, the Greek community has expanded cooperation with the Ann Arbor and University police departments, introduced restrictions against hard liquor at major events and, along with the Panhellenic Association, piloted sober monitor programs. In an attempt to curb Thursday-night partying, the University has also discussed plans to increase the number of large-enrollment classes on Friday mornings. However, some members of campus Greek life feel they are being unfairly blamed for a broader issue regarding party culture. Greek life proponents have also pointed out the extensive philanthropy and community service carried out by fraternities and sororities.
City versus University Because the University is a state entity, it is exempt from most city zoning and construction requirements and pays no property taxes to the city. This leads to flashpoints between city residents — many of whom are University employees or graduates — and the University over issues regarding shared infrastructure and property development. City Councilmember Kirk Westphal (D–Ward 2) has described the relationship between Ann Arbor and the University as “a marriage with no option of divorce.” A recent area of friction has been the proposed construction of a $38.5 million vehicle maintenance facility on North Campus. Nearby residents have expressed concerns about the potential for air pollution and traffic congestion, and have been particularly angered by their inability to challenge the facility’s construction through the city government. In response, the Northeast Ann Arbor Community Coalition — an association of nearby homeowners — has heavily protested the development and called for its members to cease donating to the University. Promising to improve community-University communication, Schissel ordered a halt to the project in March, but community concerns remain. The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
15
16
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Guide to Cool Classes at UMich Riyah Basha, Daily Summer News Editor
Are you overwhelmed by the abyss that is the LSA course guide? Are all the English 125 sections starting to blend together? Scheduling your first semester at college can seem exciting yet stressful with 6,000 new students rushing to register for the same prerequisite classes. It’s important to remember, though, that your first two years on campus are ones to explore and acquaint yourself with all the University of Michigan has to offer — be it a quirky seminar topic or world-class professor.
Astronomy 106: Aliens (minicourse)
1 credit, natural science
History 241: America and Middle Eastern Wars 4 credits, social
Everyone scoffs at the idea of taking the class that is out of this world (get it?), but few students actually take the plunge. This half-term class offers a look at the ongoing search for extra-terrestrial life and explores equations and theories estimating the total number of intelligent civilizations in the universe. And as a minicourse, Astro 106 (and its popular cousin, Astro 127: Naked Eye Astronomy) can provide welcome breaks from more monotonous or rigorous classes.
The United States has been engaged militarily in the Middle East for as long as most members of the student body can remember. Prof. Juan Cole, a world-renowned commentator on Middle Eastern and South Asian affairs (he’ll show you his Colbert Report clip in class), is an expert guide through the last century of Arab politics and warfare and American involvement therein.
science
Communications 101: The Mass Media 4 credits, social
The class is a popular freshman staple — and for good reason. By integrating material on race, class, gender and sexuality, the course provides students with analytical tools to enhance media literacy. Bonus points: the upcoming election season and media frenzy makes the class all the more relevant.
science
Women’s Studies 240: Introduction to Women’s
Studies
As debates over pay equity, abortion and gender identity come to a head in presidential campaigns, conversations surrounding feminism in America are all the more important. The course offers a survey introduction to gender constructs and social constructs against backdrops of class, race and ethnicity.
4 credits,
humanities, race & ethnicity
African American Studies 254: The History and Evolution of Hip Hop Culture
Come on. Need we say more?
4 credits, humanities The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
17
18
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Getting Involved as a Student of Color Here are some student organizations the Michigan in Color editors suggest for first-year students of color. DeMario Longmire, Managing Editor
Black Student Union
I have been involved in the Educational Theatre Company — which does an orientation performance for incoming students — in addition to the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center and the Coalition for Queer and Trans People of Color. These organizations have allowed me to explore myself, my communities and my values. Throughout my involvement with these student organizations, I have been able to grow and connect with a variety of students who share similar values but also challenge me to be a better advocate and community member.
South Asian Awareness Network Coalition for Queer and Trans People of Color
Toni Wang, Managing Editor
The Educational Theatre Company
Some of the student organizations I’m part of that have shaped my experience the most at Michigan are the Educational Theatre Company, the LSA UGEd Climate Committee and the Residential College Student Union. Each of these organizations attract people who try to live lives guided by social justice principles. These groups and the individuals I have met hold me accountable to be a more socially responsible student and inspire me to work towards creating a more inclusive campus community.
The Program on Intergroup Relations The Prison Creative Arts Project
Sabrina Bilimoria, Senior Editor
Shakti Yoni Ki Baat
I have been involved with the South Asian Awareness Network (SAAN), Shakti and United Asian American Organizations (UAAO). These organizations each have a strong community focus and are dedicated to addressing social justice issues on a community level.
Middle East and Arab Network South Asian Awareness Network
Christian Paneda, Senior Editor Here on campus, I have been a part of the Filipino-American Student Association (FASA), the Midwest Association of Filipino Americans (MAFA), Asian/Pacific-Islander American (A/PIA) Heritage Month and the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). I have been given the opportunity to discover my cultural roots and community, express myself as a person of color with my Filipino/Asian-American background, respectfully explore the different identities of others and take action on social justice issues.
Ashley Tjhung, Senior Editor I am involved in the Michigan Community Scholars learning community, the Program on Intergroup Relations, the Detroit Partnership and the Michigan Daily’s Editorial Board. As a freshman, joining organizations that allow students to voice and make positive change in their community helped me come into my own at the University.
Filipino-American Student Association (FASA) [Open to all, both Filipino and non-Filipino!] United Asian American Organization (UAAO)
The Program on Intergroup Relations The Michigan Daily Detroit Partnership The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
19
WHERE’S YOUR IDEAL STUDY SPOT? Library? I’m not that studious!
Library or not?
Need a cup to drink?
I love the smell of books!
Noise level?
I need some ambient vibes
LOUDER
Absolute silence please Do you want to see other people?
Central or north?
Central
No
Yes
North
UGLi
DUDERSTADT
LAW LIBRARY
Officially known as the Shapiro Undergraduate Library, the UGLi is where most of you will study. It counts groupwork spaces, Bert’s Café, a science library and 24-hour access for all students as some of its numerous offerings. With an unbeatable location in the heart of Central Campus and its many features, the UGLi will surely be your best friend in the coming years.
If you’re looking for art and engineering resources, look no further. The Duderstadt Center houses the Art, Architecture and Engineering Library, with more than 400 computers available 24/7. Outside the library, the building also offers 3D and virtual reality labs, a video production studio, a state-of-the-art audio recording studio, two electronic music studios and two teleconferencing rooms, making it an innovator’s delight.
If you think your local library’s the quietest in America, wait until you enter the Law Library. The absolute silence brings a solemn atmosphere to one of America’s greatest law school libraries. When you need a study break, you can stroll around the Law Quad and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the Law School. Watch out, though: The main reading room is usually open to undergrads, but the downstairs underground section is for law students only.
20
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
STARBUCKS Coffee or tea?
Caffeine? Yes please!
Coffee. Tea isn’t my cup of tea
Tea. You’ve got crumpets, mate?
Not at the moment
Nothing says “college town” more than a swarm of students studying on their Macbooks while sipping on frappuccinos; now you can become part of the iconic image. There are multiple Starbucks locations in the area, including within the Michigan Union and the Ross School of Business, and on State Street, South University Avenue and Plymouth Road, so go to one near you and start studying.
ESPRESSO ROYALE How lazy are you?
I’m willing to go outside
Sloth is my middle name
Never heard of Espresso Royale? That’s a shame, because Espresso Royale offers an amazing array of coffees and teas in a loungetype atmosphere. There’s almost as many Espresso Royales in Ann Arbor as there are Starbucks, with locations on State Street, South University Avenue and Plymouth Road. Sadly, there are only locations in Ann Arbor and East Lansing, so for out-of-staters, a break from Espresso Royale may be a heartbreak.
DORM ROOM Do you love nature?
I am one with Gaia
No, I’m an air conditioning and artificial light enthusiast
For those looking for a study space right next to their bed, the desk in your dorm room is a great option for many reasons. Privacy and instant access to all your notes and textbooks are definitely great features, and your dorm also features comfy public study spaces in the form of lounges and perhaps a dining hall where you can grab some food and coffee as an added plus. Make sure to coordinate with your roommate(s) on study hours though!
HATCHER
THE DIAG
MICHIGAN UNION
The Hatcher Graduate Library, the University’s primary research collection for the humanities and social sciences, is truly enormous. Stand in awe before its majestic front entrance, find your way through the labyrinth that is the stacks and concentrate to the max in one of the numerous study cubicles located around the building. With floors upon floors of fascinating book collections and exhibits, there’s something to check out in Hatcher every time you visit.
The Central Campus Diag is the heart of the University, and for those of you who thrive studying in loud areas and/or in nature, the Diag will provide you with an unmatched opportunity. Listen in to student activists, participate in student organizations’ promotional events and accept free hugs from the Do Random Acts of Kindness club, all while basking in the sun and completing your homework in a hammock. We guarantee you’ll love it.
The Michigan Union features a great amount of study spaces. There’s the Quiet Study Lounge on the first floor, as well as the Tap Room and various cafés and fast-food restaurants in the basement, so you won’t run out of options. The Union is also home to the CAPS Wellness Zone (fourth floor), so you can give your study-weary body a reward by sitting in one of the massage chairs. The Union will also be partially renovated in 2018, so watch out for that as well.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
21
22 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
The Best Restaurants in Ann Arbor Alex Cott, Daily Staff Reporter Ann Arbor may seem like just a college town to you now, but you’ll soon find out that it’s full of culture, spirit and, best of all, amazing food. When you’re sick of dining hall food and desperately need some other sources of nourishment, look no further than this guide to the best restaurants, coffee shops and dessert spots in town. These places will not only provide you with delicious meals, but also somewhere to create memories with your hallmates, club members and teammates.
FIRST-DATE RESTAURANTS
WHEN THE PARENTS COME TO TOWN Let’s admit it — we all love when our parents come to visit because we know we’ll be eating good food. This usually means we’ll be checking out some of Ann Arbor’s finest restaurants downtown near Main Street. Aventura is known for its modern Spanish tapas, making it perfect for sharing small plates at a large group dinner. You may have to ask the waiter/waitress to explain the menu 10 times, but I can promise that anything you order will be delicious. Its pintxo platter, flatbreads and patatas bravas are top
picks, and its crispy churros are a dessert must-have. Prickly Pear has the best southwest cuisine in town. It serves never-ending bowls of chips and salsa (but definitely order some guacamole too). I highly recommend ordering the fajitas served on flaminghot skillets. For some highend dining, check out The Chop House. Its steaks are incredible, and the chocolate melt cake is the perfect treat for your parents’ visit. Pro tip: go there on your birthday (and bring your ID) to get 50 percent off your entire bill.
ONE WORD: BRUNCH When you sleep in on a Sunday and wake up hungry, you’ll come to learn that brunch is the most important meal of all. Every brunch place in town will have a line down the street and around the corner, so you better change out of your pajamas fast. The Broken Egg, located on Main Street, is known for its enormous four-egg omelets. Pro tip: check the daily specials board for cinnamon roll pancakes. It’s the best thing (not) on the menu and they practically melt in your mouth. Afternoon Delight has that special retro feeling and is home to the best muffins in town. Take them to go to make your morning lecture a little more bearable. Angelo’s
is located on Catherine Street (convenient for freshmen on the Hill), and all the hype you hear about it is really true. It’s guaranteed to have a wait, but it’s definitely worth it. Whatever you order, make sure you get a side of its famous, thick-cut raisin bread toast. Ama Bistro, located close to campus on State Street, is a low-key restaurant but has great breakfast skillets. Fred’s is brand new but already thriving as soon as word got out about its acai bowls. Its brown rice bowl and avocado toast are also student favorites (order both with a fried egg on top). You can sit right at the counter and watch them make your meal right in front of you.
First dates can be stressful, so here are some restaurants that can make the night a little less awkward. Sadako is a classic for yummy, reasonably-priced sushi (the Sadako crunch roll is a favorite among students). Make sure to make a reservation because it’s always packed. Bigalora’s delicious Italian cuisine is great for tasty appetizers and fancy, wood-fired pizza
(definitely get the farm egg pizza). The restaurant is off campus but absolutely worth making the trek. Sava’s is an all-time classic and perfect for an upscale first date. The restaurant’s tasty appetizers, salads and entrees never disappoint (the bang bang shrimp, Greek salad and various special dishes are all to die for).
LATE-NIGHT MUNCHING As a college student, there will often come times when you’re desperately craving food at 2 a.m. Whether you are out on the town, chilling in your dorm or up late cramming for your exam the next morning, you’ll need something to munch on to get you through the night. Fleetwood Diner is a latenight favorite. Despite its far location from campus on South Ashley Street, the place is always packed. It’s open 24 hours a day and it’s famous for its hippie hash (hash browns with grilled veggies and topped with feta cheese). Pizza is also an easy go-to during these late hours. For pizza by the slice, check out South U Pizza or
NYPD. Order a slice of white pizza at South U, and either the chicken pesto or mac & cheese pizzas at NYPD. However, the most famous of them all is Pizza House. This is a late-night favorite among all students and brings us to the most heated debate on campus: cheesy bread versus feta bread. Both reign as the hottest commodities of cheesy, greasy late-night food, but people are often split among which is truly the best (my personal preference is feta bread). Pro tip: always get the late night special with cheesy/ feta bread, and a delicious milkshake. And don’t forget to order all three dipping sauces: ranch, marinara and chipati!
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
23
The Best Restaurants in continued Ann from Arbor page 23 ON-CAMPUS HOT SPOTS
FOR YOUR CAFFEINE FIX Branch out from Starbucks and try some of Ann Arbor’s cozy coffee shops. Espresso Royale has great coffee, herbal teas and pastries. Its downstairs seating even makes for a nice group project meeting spot. The coffee shop’s South University Avenue location next to Ulrich’s is practically on campus, making it easy to grab something to-go in between classes. Mighty
Good Coffee makes amazing lattés and iced chai drinks. It’s always packed with students studying, so get there early to claim your table. Comet Coffee is hidden in Nickels Arcade but serves delicious coffee and sometimes has a pop-up oatmeal shop. Sweetwaters on East Liberty Avenue also serves unique coffee and teas. Its cozy vibe makes it another great study spot.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S NICE
Trust me, this is rare. Take advantage of every second of nice weather because once winter hits, it doesn’t come around often. Good Time Charley’s is located right on the corner of South University Avenue and Church Street, making its outdoor patio quite the scene on a sunny day in Ann Arbor. Make sure to go for its $4 burger special on Thursdays! Here’s the one you’ve all been waiting for: Zingerman’s. The deli is world famous — Obama even stopped there for lunch during his visit. Be sure to sample every single meat, cheese and bread in the deli before even thinking about placing your order. I can guarantee all of its sandwiches are amazing so you really can’t go wrong. My personal favorite is #73
24
Tarb’s Tenacious Tenure. On a nice day, take your sandwich outside and sit on its colorful outdoor patio. While you’re in Kerrytown, you should also stop by the Kerrytown Farmer’s Market. Local farmers and small businesses come together on Saturday mornings to sell produce and products (and offer enough free samples to substitute a meal). Frita Batidos is another Ann Arbor favorite. It’s known for its delicious fritas, traditional Cuban burgers. I can honestly say it was the best burger I’ve ever had. The restaurant is set up with picnic tables inside, giving you that nice weather feel year-round. It even serves freshly-pressed lemonade in a tied plastic bag with a straw!
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
When you’re sick of dorm food and you’re in between classes, check out some of these cafés and snack spots located conveniently in University buildings. Beanster’s in the League is perfect for a quick drink or sandwich. It has a chill atmosphere and its comfy couches are great to lounge and study on in between classes. Bert’s in the UGLi will save you when you’re
stuck pulling an all-nighter and desperately in need of caffeine and a snack to keep you alive. Au Bon Pain is a personal favorite and located right in the Union. Its sandwich specials and makeyour-own salads are always the best, its chicken noodle soup will cure any cold and its peach iced tea is perfect on a sunny day. The best part about all of these places is that they take Blue Bucks!
TAKE-OUT/ORDER-IN There will be plenty of nights when all you want is to order in a meal, put on your sweatpants and watch Netflix. It happens to the best of us, and it happens often. No Thai’s Asian cuisine is both delicious and made quickly. I recommend drunken noodles, pad Thai or No Thai fried rice for a yummy carryout meal. Maize
& Blue Deli has delicious sandwiches that travel well, making it great to take to-go. My top picks are #86 Sherry’s Chicken Cutlet and also the Greek salad. Amer’s is a classic meet-up spot but is also great for carryout. Its chicken noodle soup, Georgia Reuben sandwich and frozen yogurt are some of my favorites.
FOR THAT SWEET TOOTH
Everyone needs a little something to cleanse the palette after a savory meal. Rod’s is the perfect place to celebrate finishing exams, winning an IM game or even just to cheer up when you’re feeling down. It’s the epitome of a hole in the wall but has the best dessert: colliders. These are basically your own custom McFlurry — you choose your ice cream flavor and your five favorite toppings and they blend it together. Pro
tip: order a medium to get extra toppings on top. Ben & Jerry’s is a classic and located right on State Street. Make sure to go for Free Cone Day, but be prepared for a mile-long line. Blank Slate Creamery is far but definitely worth the trek. It is closed for the winter months but opens back up in time for the nice weather. Its unconventional ice cream flavors are delicious and its chalkboard counter lets customers leave a colorful mark.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
25
STEPS FOR SUCCESS: By CAITLIN HEENAN Summer Senior Editorial Page Editor
You are coming to the University of Michigan. Congratulations! Give yourself a pat on the back, then let’s get to work. Transitioning to college will be difficult, no matter where you are coming from or how big your high school was. It will take some work on your behalf to ensure you get the most out of your time here. Part of the acclimation to college will be removing yourself from your experiences in high school. Though these may make up a huge part of who you are today and why you came to the University, you will have to prove yourself here, instead of relying on the time you spent in high school. Very few of your major accomplishments in high school are relevant anymore. Were you captain of your soccer team? Good for you, but that’s not going to get you very far. Were you an avid volunteer with the National Honor Society? Awesome, but so was everyone else. While the
Learning to deal with rejection
extracurriculars and activities you did in high school were what got you to this point, what made you such fitting a candidate to be a student at the University of Michigan, they are not what will make you successful now. You have to prove yourself all over again. That résumé you worked so hard on throughout your junior and senior year of high school has essentially become a blank slate. It is once again time to build it up with leadership positions, volunteer and work experience, civic engagement, etc. — but from the University instead. Before you go out into the world, brighteyed and bushy-tailed with your heart full of hope and curiosity, heed these words of caution: you will be rejected, and more than you ever were. The University is a competitive place, full of people just as smart and talented as you are. You are now the lowest rung on the totem pole again, a freshman with very little experience that could be applied toward a position in the
real world. Be prepared for people to tell you no. Be prepared to be rejected, a lot. You don’t have a wealth of research experience, you don’t have an abundance of professional job experience and all of the experiences you do have under your belt are from a high school setting. Even though you should expect to be disappointed, don’t be discouraged. Keep applying to jobs, research positions and leadership positions, even if they seem like a stretch. Continue to build your résumé with relevant skills and achievements, no matter how long it takes. It shows initiative and who knows, maybe someone will say yes, and it will turn into a life-changing opportunity. Learning how to handle rejection gracefully is an important aspect to being successful. Employers want to hire people who can pick themselves up, dust themselves off and prove their worth rather than lying in their bed crying all day after being told no. College is the time to learn how to be a part of the adult world — not just all of the exciting aspects, but also the tough ones.
Things your tour guide didn’t tell you By CAITLIN REEDY Daily Staff Reporter
During your first real encounter with the University of Michigan at orientation, you will sit in on countless lectures and go on extensive tours with amazing orientation student leaders. However, they can’t cover everything you need to know before entering the University. Lucky for you, The Michigan Daily is here to help. There are more places to study besides the UGLi Undoubtedly, you have been shown the Shapiro Undergraduate Library countless times, but here’s an important thing to note: you don’t have to study there. Don’t get me wrong, the UGLi has served me many a time — it is open 24 hours, you can (almost) always find a seat and Bert’s Cafe is a life-saver. But there are so many other quieter and more beautiful places to study on campus once you get sick of the UGLi (and, considering this is the University of Michigan, you will be sick of studying in the same library after the first two weeks of the semester). Do yourself a favor and check out the Reading Room in the Michigan Union, the Law Library and muster up the courage to enter my favorite spot: the stacks. The stacks comprises the vast book collection located in the Hatcher Graduate Library. Even though you will get lost your first
26 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
few times in there, it’s always dead silent, and you can usually have an entire table to yourself if you look hard enough. The Alumni Center Believe me when I say that Welcome Wednesdays will soon be the only thing getting you through a stressful week. Do not miss out on these glorious mornings every Wednesday from 7 a.m. until noon. The bagels are delicious and there is enough caffeine to go around. Plus, if you go toward the end of the event, you normally get two bagels of your choice. My other piece of advice regarding the Alumni Center: get your free Blue Books. Every penny counts now that you are a college student. Use any and every advisor available to you Sadly, this isn’t high school where your advisor is your best friend and seems to know everything to help guide you along. You have one main counselor and you shouldn’t be afraid to talk to him or her. This is a large university and he or she can’t possibly know everything, but he or she can direct you to the right place. When you find yourself soul searching for what you want to do with the rest of your life, go to talk to really smart people for free. That’s what I loved about the University when I was trying to pick a major: It’s a massive school, but every department has someone you can talk to, giving you a wide variety of perspectives and options
to help you figure out what to do with your life. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them. The M Den will be your best friend You go to one of the most spirited schools in the country, and there is no word to describe it other than awesome. This is the only time in your life when you will be completely surrounded by people as obsessed with the University as you are (or people who also consider Harbaugh a god). Wear maize and blue as much as you want. This isn’t high school where it can seem lame to always wear your school colors. Your lecture halls will have so many block ‘M’s and wolverine logos in it that you will want to go the M Den and buy the entire store. Plus, you need an entire Michigan wardrobe to get you through every football, basketball, hockey and any other athletic event you will undoubtedly attend. In addition, there is no better feeling in the world than getting a resounding “Go Blue!” far away from Ann Arbor when you proudly wear that block ‘M.’ And that is why attending the University Michigan is the best decision you have probably made so far: after your four years, your love for the school will never die. And, with more than half a million living alumni spread throughout the world, you will always find a fellow Wolverine when you wear maize and blue.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
27
Five student-athletes to know By ORION SANG Summer Managing Sports Editor
The University of Michigan is a school not only known for its sterling academic reputation, but also for its highly competitive sports teams. Michigan has placed in the top 10 of the NACDA Directors’ Cup — an award which uses a holistic point system that accounts for order of finish in NCAA Championships — 16 times in since its inception 22 years ago, and is currently No. 3 this year. Before you get to Ann Arbor, these are five Wolverines you should know about: Francis Atuahene When it comes to collegiate soccer, you won’t find many better players than Francis Atuahene. The freshman midfielder made his mark for the Michigan men’s soccer team this year, tallying 10 goals and three assists to post 23 points in just 16 games played. His efforts were not unnoticed: Atuahene was named a member of the 2015 All-Big Ten First Team and won the 2015 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Though the Wolverines failed to make the NCAA Tournament, they finished with a record above .500, and Atuahene is one of several younger players who will look to help propel his team back into postseason play. Megan Betsa Megan Betsa can be described in two words: strikeout artist. Armed with a deadly rise ball and a drop ball that that has confounded hitters for years, the junior right-hander spends most of her time at Alumni Field making opponents look hapless. Betsa leads the NCAA in strikeouts per seven innings with 11.5, and currently has an earned-run average of 1.87 after finishing last season with a similarly stingy 1.72. Her win-loss record is 26-3, reflecting her importance to her team. The two-time reigning Big Ten Pitcher of the Year is one student-athlete to keep an eye on this summer as she and her team look to make it back to the Women’s College World Series. Adam Coon It’s not often that you can find a student majoring in aerospace engineering who also happens to be a 6’5, 285-pound All-American heavyweight wrestler — but that’s Adam Coon. The junior has been one of the top wrestlers in his weight class ever since stepping foot in Ann Arbor, compiling a gaudy 87-13 record through his first three years as a Wolverine. Coon narrowly missed out on a chance to compete in the Olympics when he finished as runner-up in the 130 kg/286-pound GrecoRoman division at the Olympic Team Trials earlier this spring, but you’ll still get a chance to watch him when he and his team return to Cliff Keen Arena in the fall. Brienne Minor After graduating the top two winningest singles players in school history in Emina Bektas and Sarah Lee, many onlookers might not have expected the Michigan women’s tennis team to have the best season in program history. But that is exactly what they did: the Wolverines advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. One of the players critical to the team’s success was Brienne Minor. Minor, a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school, earned a spot in both the singles and doubles lineup shortly after stepping on campus and didn’t look back. She tallied 36 singles victories, the most of any freshman in school history, while also posting a 26-9 record in doubles play. Minor is currently ranked No. 18 in the nation by the ITA, has qualified in both singles and doubles for the NCAA Individual Championships and was named All-Big Ten. With her performance this season, the freshman seems poised to rewrite the history books just as her predecessors did. Katelynn Flaherty The Michigan women’s basketball team has won 20 or more games in all four seasons of coach Kim Barnes Arico’s tenure, but have missed out on the NCAA Tournament the past three years. However, the Wolverines ended the 2015-16 strong, reaching the WNIT semifinals. One player who has helped build the program in recent years and will be essential for its future success is Katelynn Flaherty. Flaherty has earned time on the court in every game since coming to Ann Arbor, playing in all 35 games each of the past two seasons while starting every game as a sophomore. After averaging 14.3 points per game her freshman season en route to being named the Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year, Flaherty took her game to new heights as a sophomore, averaging 22.1 points per game as the Wolverines’ top offensive player. She was a consensus choice for the All-Big Ten first team as well as garnering a WBCA All-America honorable mention, and looks poised to lead her team back into the NCAA Tournament during her time at Michigan.
28 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
29
The other side of academia By JEREMY KAPLAN Summer Editorial Page Editor
The phrase “the Leaders and the Best” means something different to everyone around here. Whether it’s our athletes winning championships or alumni changing the world, you will constantly hear about someone associated with the University doing something outstanding. While, for the majority of you, it may be awhile before you can count yourself among those groups, you have an opportunity even as a first-semester freshman to experience one of the hallmarks of Michigan: research. While the term “public research university” may elicit many fears that professors prioritize research over actual instruction, that is rarely true in practice. Instead, professors’ research frequently makes an appearance in the classroom; whether it’s a brand new discovery about DNA replication in a biology class, a new metric to evaluate persuasion in psychology or education research showing more effective ways to instruct many students, research being done here will impact you in some way. You don’t just have to consume this hotoff-the-press research; you also can be part of their groundbreaking discovery. Professors in all subjects frequently take on undergraduates as research assistants. While you may start out performing menial tasks such as data entry or sample organization, most undergraduate researchers can eventually take a major role in projects once they gain their mentors’ trust. All you need is perseverance and hard work to prove to your mentor that you are truly dedicated to the work at hand. There are a number of ways to get involved with research. The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) is a structured program designed to give students the tools necessary to join a research team in a wide variety of subjects. Through once-a-week seminars, students gain valuable tools on topics such as preparing a proper résumé, contacting professors and reading and
30 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
MARINA ROSS/Daily LSA sophomore Sabine Hutter explains her UROP project at the UROP Spring Symposium at the Union on April 19th.
writing manuscripts. UROP then connects students with researchers interested in hiring undergraduates and manages compensation either through work-study funding or academic credit. UROP does require a full academic year commitment, so it may not be an option for all students. The early decision deadline for freshmen has already passed, but summer applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If the commitment for UROP is not your cup of tea, you still have options. Many researchers are responsive to undergraduates contacting them over e-mail or during office hours to see if they have opportunities available. While you are mostly on your own for this path, if you are responsible and confident, you gain significant flexibility. Additionally, Authentic Research Connection sections of Chemistry 125/126 and Biology 173 provide students with engagement into the world of research during normal laboratory courses. These courses require a special application available on the course guide, but immediately engage students in the entire process of research,
from experimental design to analysis, as opposed to their standard sections, which mostly give you an instruction manual and expect you to follow along and do as you’re told. Unfortunately, these research-specific introductory classes are currently restricted to the sciences, but many majors offer upper-level introduction to research methods for those students wanting to go the extra mile by writing an honors thesis. Regardless of what level of commitment you want, or if you want to pursue a career in which research would be valuable, spend at least a small part of your time here engaging with the leaders and best among our faculty, graduate students and fellows. After you get your questions answered during office hours, ask what your professors study when they’re not teaching. Ask your graduate student instructors after class to try to explain what they’re writing their theses about. Pick up a copy of The Michigan Daily, where we highlight exceptional new discoveries. While you may not stay in academia your whole life, take a moment to experience the heart of it, while you’re at one of its finest institutions.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
31
32 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
33
A Michigan athletics to-do list
ALLISON FARRAND/Daily
The Children of Yost is the name of Michigan’s student section for hockey games and is part of what makes watching Michigan’s hockey team so memorable.
By ETHAN WOLFE Summer Managing Sports Editor Saturday’s during fall in Ann Arbor mean only one thing: football. No matter who you are or where you come from, it only matters that you step into the Big House that afternoon and sing “The Victors.” But beyond football, there are still a number of other things to do with Michigan athletics during your first year on campus. Here’s a quick checklist:
Children of Yost
Even in the dead of winter, students still have a place on campus to show their Michigan pride: Yost Ice Arena. Michigan hockey has become one of most esteemed athletic programs on campus, and Yost remains one of the best places to show Michigan pride. This historic venue may be small, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in noise. The student section, named “Children of Yost,” has a number of chants rooting for Michigan and distracting the opposing team. It is this energy that makes Yost one of the best arenas in college hockey. Last season, the Michigan hockey team just missed the Frozen Four after a loss to North Dakota State, which ended up winning the NCAA Championship. Coach Red Berenson is returning for his 33rd season, so expect more entertaining hockey and excitement at Yost.
34
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Michigan Ultras
The walk is neither quick nor painless, but the time you will have will make you forget about it. If the weather cooperates, the student section at Michigan soccer games is also a worthwhile experience. Seated in a few rows of bleachers right on the east sideline, the students get loud quickly and stay loud for the entire game. To get there, take the Ride down State Street to the stadium, or make the walk if you’re feeling up for it. Admission is free with your MCard, and both the men’s and women’s teams are coming off winning seasons.
Intramural Sports
Obviously, not every student can represent the university on the field, court, ice, you name it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get involved with athletics on campus. Whether you want to play floor hockey, sand volleyball, soccer, softball, basketball, flag football or even inner tube water polo and broom ball, Michigan’s got it. The rec sports department offers ‘A,’ ‘B’ and ‘C’ leagues for all levels of competition as well as men’s, women’s and co-rec teams. No matter what your skill set is, there’s no reason not to stay active your freshman year.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
35
Making meaningful friends
By ELENA HUBBELL Columnist
Out of all of the pressures placed on us in college, the pressure to have a broad social circle and loyal friends may be the most confusing. The pressure to get a good grade can be solved by studying, the pressure to feel involved can be solved by joining organizations on campus, but the pressure to make deep and meaningful connections with other people doesn’t have an easy solution. Social media, where people often flaunt their friendships by posting group photos and commenting on each other’s statuses, only works to exacerbate this pressure. In some cases, people can put their time and effort into an organization on campus and thus make friends, but it doesn’t always work out this way for everyone. We are constantly surrounded by people our own age, with similar interests and similar schedules — so why is it so hard for some of us to make friends and form a social group? In high school, friendships were easier to make and sustain. For the most part, we saw the same people multiple times each day, and due to high school’s rigid social structure, it was fairly easy to tell whom our circle of friends were. At least this was how it worked in my case — I attended a school where my graduating class was 90 people, most of whom I had known since middle school. I remember that before coming to college, a lot of authority figures told me that at a university, I could decide whom my “real” friends were, that they would no longer be based on convenience. And for the
36 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
most part this has been true; I have been able to make a lot of new friends at the University of Michigan, the foundations of these friendships based on more than accessibility. So, in my experience, meeting potential friends hasn’t been the issue here at the University, it has been finding ways to sustain these friendships. Let me tell you a little bit more about myself. I had a very close friend throughout childhood whom I had a falling-out with, and I believe that the source of this fallingout was because one of us decided to switch schools and neither of us were very good at keeping up with communication. Recently, I tried to reconnect, but she essentially told me that she wasn’t interested in any chance at reconciliation. After hearing this, I felt I was incapable of maintaining a friendship. This was especially daunting to realize as I am planning to spend the next full academic year abroad in China. I was worried that the friendships that I had made at college would go the same way as my childhood friendships — that we would stop talking and that the end of our friendships would be clouded in confusion and anger. I desperately wanted to keep these friendships — friendships that, though not based on convenience, are easily maintained because we all live in the same city and have similar schedules. I wasn’t sure how I was going to keep this interaction up while I was thousands of miles away and in a different time zone. I’m still figuring it out. I haven’t left for China yet, so I still have time to come up with a plan of action for how I am going to
sustain my friendships. But recently I’ve found that trying harder is a good place to start. The friends that I have that don’t live in my dorm, I’ve tried to learn their schedules and invite them to hang out more. I try to leave the comfort of my dorm more often so that I can visit my friends who don’t live in the same building as me. I try to be the first to initiate contact with somebody whom I think I could become friends with — something I never did in high school. I’ve started to value myself as a friend — I try to see myself as a person that other people would want to be associated with, which makes me more confident when trying to establish connections. And, most importantly, I’ve decided to focus mainly on my individual friendships and not on the group dynamic. It can be exhausting making sure that all of your friends are also friends with each other and ensuring that your circle of friends is in good shape. When it comes down to it, I’ve found that perfect friendships aren’t really something that exist. Though it may seem that everybody around you has the perfect squad, I bet that upon closer inspection, things aren’t as impeccable as you would think. I think that the most important part of making good friends in college is to take care of yourself — get rid of the friends that drain you, and hold on to the friends that lift you up. As we all have learned by now, there is no part of our lives that will ever be perfect — so why should we expect our friend groups to be perfect? All we can do is protect ourselves and be kind to those who have been kind to us.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
37
Five sports you should be paying attention to this upcoming year By ETHAN WOLFE Summer Managing Sports Editor
1. Softball
Nine straight Big Ten titles? Check. Twenty-one straight seasons of 42 or more wins? Check. All-time winningest NCAA softball coach? Check. Though it hasn’t been around as long relative to other teams at the University of Michigan, the softball team has already become one of the most storied programs at the university. The Wolverines are a benchmark for athletic excellence, and they have demonstrated that by their dominance in Big Ten play and deep runs on the road to the Women’s College World Series, including an appearance in the title game against No. 1 Florida last year. With almost every player in Michigan’s starting lineup receiving Big Ten and national awards, spending an afternoon at Alumni Field to watch a softball game is a great way to see talented athletes and be entertained for some time — but usually the Wolverines defeat their opponents pretty quickly.
2. Women’s Gymnastics
Despite having just 11 student-athletes for the 2016 season, the Michigan women’s gymnastics team made a lot of noise as one of the most successful teams on campus. Led by rising senior Nicole Artz and rising sophomore Olivia Karas, the Wolverines were ranked No. 1 for much of the season and finished third at NCAA Regionals. They also sent three gymnasts to the NCAA Championships. Whether it is the gravity-defying flips or otherworldly balance, Michigan’s gymnasts always put on a show at the Crisler Center, and are expected to continue their excellent performances under head coach Bev Plocki.
3. Wrestling
A top-10 team for much of the year, the Michigan wrestling team did not disappoint this year. The Wolverines finished with a 13-3 record — all of its losses coming to ranked opponents — and captured ninth-place at the NCAA Championships. The atmosphere at Cliff Keen Arena for a wrestling match is incomparable to that of any other sporting event. When the wrestlers are locked in a dead heat, the arena nearly goes silent. Despite significantly less available seating for fans, the whole venue erupts when there is a Michigan takedown. Whether or not you know much about the sport’s technicalities, it doesn’t really matter when you go to a wrestling match, because there will definitely be excitement that anyone can enjoy.
4. Baseball
Four years ago, Michigan hired Maryland’s Erik Bakich to make baseball — the University’s oldest athletic program — relevant again. Luckily fot Michigan, he has done just that. The Wolverines are off to their best season since 2008 and have hopes of winning the Big Ten Tournament title for the second year in a row.
38
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
KRISTINA PERKINS/Daily
Carol Hutchins is the NCAA’s all-time winningest coach.
With multiple Michigan players being projected as selections in the upcoming MLB Draft, there is surely going to be high-quality baseball every time the team hits the field at Ray Fisher Stadium. But there is one aspect of the team in particular that makes it such a unique Michigan program: tradition. The tradition not only stems from the team’s history, but also from the consistently high moral expectations that Bakich has instilled in his players.
5. Water Polo
In Dr. Marcelo Leonardi’s second season as coach of the Michigan water polo team, he proved that water polo was not just a sport for the West Coast. A 30-8 record couldn’t even do justice to just how dominant the Wolverines were. Michigan won the CWPA Championship and finished fourth at the NCAA Championships, capping off a season that included six victories over top-10 teams. Few places on campus match the intensity of Canham Natatorium. Cheers resonate throughout the building for just a few times during the season, since much of the Wolverines’ season is on the road. Another fun fact: Leonardi is the only head coach at Michigan to have a Ph.D.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
39
40 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com