Already fall is upon us. As the editor-in-chief of The Triangle for the fall and winter terms, I would like to welcome professors, staff, and upperclassmen back to Drexel. As for the incoming freshmen, you did it, you came to Drexel University. Maybe it was for the co-op program. Maybe it was for the dynamic and vibrant city. Maybe you came here because you heard Drexel was an up-and-coming modern kind of go-getter school, or you read in the US News and World Report that Drexel is ranked number whatever in the “Schools that are good or something” list. Whatever your reason is for coming to Drexel, you’re here and we’re happy to have you.

Drexel is a thriving university you should be proud of attending. We had a professor make it into the Guinness Book of World Record. Another discovered one of the largest dinosaurs known. We’re actively involved in bettering the surrounding neighborhoods, and there are even classes that let you drink beer and wine for real course credit!

There are hundreds of student organizations to join, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you have the option to start your own organization. There are no excuses not to be active on campus, whether it’s being a member of an event planning committee or writing articles for The Triangle. Get involved in something that you enjoy and make incredible friends along the way.

Throughout your life I’m sure people have spoken frequently about something called the “Real World.” Precise interpretations vary, but the Real World is generally implied to be some higher plane of existence that through intense academic study you will one day rise to and make your fortune.

This theme is consistent: In middle school, they told you, “They won’t tolerate this kind of behavior in high school!” In high school, “They won’t tolerate this kind of work in college!” And, in other colleges, “You can’t expect to get a job in the Real World with grades
like this!”

The path was clear and well-defined: maintain a high GPA, learn all you can, join an honor society, get into a high-ranking college, and you too can graduate with Latin honors, and then ascend to the Real World. But we all know it takes more than a decent college transcript and diploma to get your dream job.

Which is why you chose a different path. You came to Drexel. The campus is a construction site. The food is mediocre. The classes and ten-week terms are hard. But the opportunities for professional advancement and career development are endless; this is why you’re at Drexel.

You will graduate with one year and six months of experience in your field of choice, probably paid, which very few people outside of Drexel can claim. You can learn what you like and dislike about your field before you earn your degree, and learn what working environments you like and dislike.

You will make connections with important people in your industry. You will learn to write a resume, handle a job interview, and behave professionally in a professional environment with other professionals. Even if you are not in a co-op program, the experiences and opportunities you will find at Drexel are still invaluable to your future career.

That being said, you’re here for four or five years. Make the most of your education.

Also, welcome to Philadelphia. If you’re new to the area, here is a quick guide to how to survive the city: the best cheesesteak is at John’s Roast Pork at the corner of Snyder and Weccacoe avenues. Get it with sharp provolone and onions. Your instincts are correct: Cheez Whiz is in fact
disgusting.

Don’t say “thing,” use instead “jawn.” Don’t say “sub” or “grinder” or “po’boy,” use instead “hoagie.” It’s pronounced “Pash-yunk” not “Passy-unk,” and “wooder” not “water.” If you want to go to a place, biking is the fastest way to get there, unless it’s next to a subway and so is your originating point. Sneakers strung over a telephone wire does not mark gang territory or indicate that someone was killed in that area, as your parents have no doubt read. It instead is simply what you do with worn-out sneakers.

University City is, on the whole, very safe, even after dark. The same cannot be said about the area around Temple University, especially after dark. If you have business there, have a safe route home planned out ahead of time.

Here is an even quicker guide to University City: the most important building is at the southwest corner of 36th and Chestnut streets. It contains the Wawa. If you’re not from the area, Wawa is like a cleaner 7-Eleven with a deli and better coffee. The second-most important building is at 33rd and Chestnut Streets; MacAlister Hall contains the offices of The Triangle, in room 3010. Come to our first meeting on Monday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. and get involved!

Justin Roczniak is the op-ed editor of The Triangle. He can be contacted at justin.roczniak@thetriangle.org.

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