Other than Baylor University being one of the greatest schools in the Big XII, there are many other things that make Baylor, Baylor. Few schools are like this one—and to people that don’t go here, it may seem a little strange. But to us, it’s just the norm. Few schools are like this one—and to people that don’t go here, it may seem a little strange. But to us, it’s just the norm.
Duh. Seeing players around campus is like seeing celebrities. Having chapel with Laquan McGowan is brag-worthy, mostly because you got to see him in his own separate chair since he doesn’t fit in the regular ones. The letters “T-C-U” are taboo and are not to be spoken aloud. The color purple is never to be worn in public and Horned Frogs are the enemy. The rivalry is real and football season is what we live for. The hierarchical order goes God, RGIII, and then your first-born child. And we don’t walk the line; we run it—in our tacky yellow jerseys that scream “freshman.”
Ring by Spring
Baylor University: where people are scared to get into relationships because the first person you date here will probably be the last. In a place where marriage is so essential to the culture, when spring of senior year rolls around a ring is expected before graduation to seal the deal. Proposals on campus are common and “engagement party season” happens every spring. There’s no such thing as marrying too young at a private Christian school.
Sing
Where else will you see dancing frat boys in elaborate costumes and stage makeup? The nearly four hour long production takes place every February, and every group has an original act they’ve been preparing for months. This fierce competition can cause tension and animosity between groups during the entire month of February. Goats, pirates and sassy nuns, oh my.
Visiting Hours
Yes, you read that right. Just like a hospital. You better not get caught with a boyfriend/girlfriend/dad/mom/Jake from State Farm/anyone of the opposite gender in your residence hall after 10 p.m. on weeknights and 12 a.m. on weekends unless you want to meet with the Resident Chaplain, Hall Director and Jesus to discuss your transgression.
Common Grounds
A sorority girl and wanna-be hipster’s dream. This sweet little coffee shop provides us with far too much espresso for late nights, comfy mismatched chairs, and indie concerts where we pretend to know who is playing when we really have no idea. Unless it’s Penny and Sparrow. You know you’re in the right place when there’s a coffee on the menu called “True Love Waits” and my personal favorite, the “Ring by Spring.”
Chapel
From retired gospel singers to slam poets and seminary theologians, we’ve seen it all. “How weird was chapel today?” is a common question heard around campus mid-Monday and Wednesday mornings. And no, I can’t swipe you in, I’m saving my skips for finals week.
Chripsters, Chripsters everywhere
We all know a “Chripster,” or a Christian Hipster. The Birkenstocks. The Hebrew tattoos. The Warby Parker glasses. The jorts. The decked out water bottles with 10 different summer camp stickers. The guitar/harmonica combo. Common topics of conversation of a Chripster might include, “dude, let’s share testimonies over coffee,” or “how can I be praying for you?” and they’re typically a member of a local church’s life group (and won’t let you forget it).
Christian Heritage and Christian Scriptures
The required courses that literally make us dread opening our bibles because we have to read all the Gospels in one night. The bane of our existence, basically.
And finally, Da Bears
Oh, our pride and joy. Or rather, our Lady and Joy. Our mascots live on campus making us a registered United States Department of Agriculture Class C zoo. All too often we wish we were cuddled up next to our best friend like they are all day long rather than walking to class.
If you’re like me, Baylor is the best thing that’s ever happened to you. Although outsiders that go to other schools (God forbid) don’t understand, we accept Baylor, Waco and everything that comes with it with open arms and aloud, friendly “Sic ‘em Bears.”
