Now that I am a college student I am often asked where I go to school. Every school has something that sets it apart from the rest, which is why when I say that I attend Oneonta there are quite a few things that people say to me in response. Here are the most common responses I have received after saying I go to SUNY Oneonta...
1. Stoneonta
I'm pretty sure that people only call it this because it flows well. I'm sure there's just as many stoners in Oneonta as there are in the next school...
2. Do you smoke?
Here are the people that take the term more literally, and ask me if I smoke a lot. The answer is no. I did not decide to attend Oneonta to join my fellow stoneonta friends. It's just a funny name. However, I do know quite a few stoners...but that's just a coincidence...right?
3. What's that pizza that everyone gets?
Cold cheese slice. Tino's. It's also not called Tito's for all of those who thinks Oneonta has a pizzeria named after tequila because that just seems fitting.
4. Oh, a SUNY school...
I don't know why you're saying it like that. Just because I'm not spending $60k a semester does not mean I'm not getting a good education. I felt more educated in one semester of college than I did with four years of high school so BUZZ OFF.
5. Is there even Greek life?
Oh boy, is there. Try more like half of our whole campus is in Greek life. Just because it's a smaller campus doesn't mean we don't have a thriving Greek community.
6. Are all your friends from Long Island?
No...but they're all from New York.
7.Oh my friend _____ went/goes there!
No I do not know them. And I'm kind-of surprised I don't actually...
8. I graduated in ____.
Can't wear an Oneonta sweatshirt without having a middle-aged woman coming up to you asking if you go there. (Fun fact: this happened to me while being in Canada once)
9. Wow so that's about an 8 hour drive right?
Nope. Being a Long Islander, I used to believe everything north of the city was "Upstate". I learned that Oneonta is "Central New York", and I also learned that nowhere in New York could be 8 hours away from Central New York. Oneonta is a 4-5 hour drive from Long Island, and Oswego is Upstate.
10. "What is that?" -Someone who doesn't live in NY
Ah, just a state school in the middle of New York. Weird name, but I love it.
11. Great soccer program!
Yeah, but I'm not a part of it so who cares anyway...
Just kidding, I'm proud of our soccer teams, they are pretty beast.
12. You get a lot of snow?
Sure do. Take a good look at my winter-gear collection that takes up too much space in my closet!
13. So...you like to party huh?
I'd hate to say no.
14. Great school.
Usually this comes from people who are familiar with SUNY schools. And yes, it is a great school that I am proud to be attending. Although I don't like Red Dragons, I'm going to have to tough it out for the next few years.
All in all, people say what they have to say about Oneonta, but it is my little heaven. I'm so excited to be going back in a few days to see my other family. Regardless of people's comments, they don't know Oneonta until they have experienced Jimmy T's, am I right?
