If you've ever been to the circus, it's likely that you either willingly attended or were dragged by someone else to have a bit of fun. You arrived, and instantly you were taken back by the sights, sounds and smells surrounding you and you were a tad overwhelmed. Well, this isn't so different to your college experience, and here's why.
Juggling
Regardless of how any college student measures their success, it's likely that their days are characterized by trying to obtain a balance in their college life. Between demanding classes, extracurriculars, social lives and down time, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the rotating circle of responsibilities right in front of your face. Much like the juggling clown at the circus, it's likely that you're just trying to put on a smile and not drop anything important.
Oddities
Before college, you probably had a different definition of odd. To you, a person wearing pajama pants and a rain jacket riding a razor scooter across an intersection would've been weird, but now it barely even phases you. However, to the acclimated college student, there are other things that appear odd. For example, you walk into your 8 a.m lecture, and you see someone dressed in normal clothes (a.k.a not sweatpants and a high school track sweatshirt), who is prepared, bright-eyed and bushy tailed for the day ahead. If you weren't awake before you are now, because seriously, who does that?
Animals
A lot of people go to the circus to see unique animals, such as lions, elephants, monkeys, etc. Of course, if any of these creatures stumbled upon your local university's dining hall, you'd be alert, but standards of amazement for animals are definitely lowered in college. After a few months of being away from home, loneliness surrounding the beloved family pet you left behind sinks in. After awhile, a perky pooch passing your dorm will evoke the same amazement and excitement as a dancing chimpanzee.
Entertainment
Many stunts at a circus could be seen as dangerous, but it is this thrill and risk that evokes the audience's interest and makes for a good show. In a way, the same could be said for the endeavors of a college student. Whether the rush comes from going too far on a night out or simply skipping your lecture that takes attendance randomly, the excitement involved serves as its own source of entertainment.
Food
The circus is almost as well known for its food as it is for entertaining acts and unique sights. While you may feel that your experience will be bettered with popcorn, circus peanuts, and endless candy, they are still no match for the wondrous acts. When it comes to college, the same can be said, as the stuffed crust pizza you and your friends order to the library during finals is the cherry on top of your educational opportunities.
Clowns
The entertaining, yet terrifying, walking art forms that taunt you with their big red noses and obnoxious shoes can be found on a college campus. While less flamboyant in their dress and colors, the loud and unjustified class clown never actually left high school and is still around to make your time in college a little more ridiculous.
Whether or not you "stepped right up" to the oddities and wonderments of the day-to-day college life, the show must go on and so will your adventures.