"Oh, the party school?" Your relative, friend or even stranger says with disappointment after you tell them you chose to attend SUNY Brockport. I know I'm not the only one who's received this response, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who's sick of it!
I don't know where the assumption started that Brockport is any more of a party school than any of the other SUNY schools, but I can guarantee that there are just as many parties at Geneseo or Binghamton (the most prestigious SUNY schools). I'd place a bet that Harvard has at least twice as many parties at Brockport. And just because there are parties does not automatically mean you have to attend, will attend, or that there isn't anything else to do. Nobody forces you to attend, you are free to do what you wish on the weekends. The student government, and many other clubs on campus host an event almost every weekend. Anything from sports tournaments to free food is available for you to do right on campus and for free! A college student's favorite word is free.
If you want to go off campus there are so many fun things to do within a five-mile radius from eating in town at Burrito Fresco, Perri's Pizza, or my personal favorite, Jimmy Z's. There is a cheap movie theater in town and a bowling alley, too! The Erie Canal is right on campus as well. During the warm, summer nights my friends and I love to go down to the canal to play basketball, football or just take a walk. Or you can just stay in all together, order some pizza, and have a movie night with all your friends. The options are endless for how you want to spend your time without going to a party.
I chose Brockport not for the parties, but for so many other things. I loved the small community — it reminded me of my hometown, so small you can reach anything you need within five minutes. I chose Brockport because of the size. I chose Brockport because of the distance from home, an hour and a half, not too far, not too close. I chose Brockport because of their outstanding KSSPE department (Kinesiology, Sports Studies, and Physical Education). I chose Brockport because I am paying my own student loans and a SUNY school is the most affordable and provides a great education. I chose Brockport because of the 120 study abroad programs. I chose Brockport for their brand new, $45 million athletic facility. I did not choose Brockport for the parties.
If you do choose to attend parties that does not automatically mean you're not going to be successful. I'm sure the person giving you the snotty look about attending Brockport didn't just sit in their dorm room and study 24/7 either. As long as you understand your responsibilities, you are able to have an outstanding GPA and go to parties. This is coming from a girl who has done it, real life proof ladies and gentlemen. So next time somebody says "Isn't that a party school?" you'll have plenty of reasons to make them regret opening their mouth in the first place.
