How deep is too deep?

"I'm applying to a college that has a J Crew across the street, and they give student discounts."

Well sure, that's a nice perk. But something that would even be on the radar when considering a college? Admittedly I haven't been on the college scene very long, but this one blew me away. Maybe it's just because I've never been to J Crew. Or Abercrombie & Fitch. Or Banana Republic. So honestly I could care less. Now, if someone said "Trader Joe's," I'd definitely perk up. Other perks? Vicinity to a city, nice cafes, good college town or city with jobs available and affable people, and some good trails and/or bike paths. But having good name stores is not something that would ever appeal to me. In fact, I'm trying to veer clear of those colleges that are labeled super preppy. You know, the ones with polo shirts and those knit cabled sweaters, and huge sunglasses and leather purses? The people I got to know in Italy are all so unaffected by the lure of designer brands; many of them have to carefully watch their money, and when they do buy something it's something that will be significant. In fact, much of the time that I was with them I felt the tiniest twinge of guilt that I am from Pasadena, affluent as it is and fixated on television shows and actors and glamorous clothes that will last for a year, maybe two.

I love this city; that's not at doubt. Every time I come back to Los Angeles after being away I feel hungry for it and its palm trees and the skyscrapers and its gorgeous, weathered mountains. I love the air (polluted though it may be, it is distinctly of Los Angeles, and therefore wonderful); I love the sunsets, brilliant and gorgeous; and I love those two days a year that I actually go to the beach. What I don't love is how materialistic a city it is.

Right now Rose Court tryouts are being held at the Wrigley mansion in Pasadena. Almost every girl in my class (and indeed in the entire valley) is trying out for what is undoubtedly a very prestigious and probably very fun role as one of the beatiful, flower-bearing girls on the float in the New Year's Rose Parade. One queen, six princesses. Seven girls out of several hundred. Many are just trying out to get tickets to the Ball (which, I must admit, sounds somewhat alluring, though that may just be because it is called a Ball and not a Dance); but many more hope to make their way to the final rounds. Which, I hear, practically guarantees a place at USC (shhhh! it's unofficial)

So right now at school there's the flurry that must accompany any beauty contest; regarding clothes and makeup and hair and seldom the actual significance of being Rose Queen. And though it may mean the world to someone, it all seems so terribly frivolous. Between endless talk of tryouts, and then J Crew being offered as a major deciding factor in picking a college, I feel like I'm being engulfed in one giant cloud of superficiality; and it makes me feel slightly rebellious, makes me want to say "hey, what's important?"

And I want to thank my friends from Italy, who really made me realize that what makes your time most worthwhile is just enjoying one another, and just being. Which, up there with academics, is my top priority for a college. None of those preppy schools for me, thanks.

Labels: college

posted by Holly @ 7:50 PM