Monthly Muse

          Being an athlete majoring in Classical Studies is almost as rare as a Greek god that doesn’t cheat on his wife.  Although, I’m sure Zeus had his reasons just like I have mine, there really is nothing abnormal about it.  It was the best decision for me and has helped me thrive at Colgate.  The professors that welcomed me into the Classics department were a significant feature that solidified my choice.  Each one, and I actually mean each and every one in the department, is the greatest teacher and person I have encountered at Colgate.  They all have an infectious attitude toward learning that one can’t help but enjoy being around them.  Their passion for the department and for students to excel is unparalleled to other departments.  They make a personal investment in each student, which causes the student to become more committed to do well.  Not only do the professors have this attitude but the students do as well.  Since declaring, I have become involved in the newly rejuvenated Classics Society.  It is a great way to meet new people with the same interests, and it’s fun to organize gladiator fights with blow up swords or gathering a group of people to watch 300 with free pizza…who wouldn’t want a gory movie with free food?

         

            The epic stories of death and heroism weren’t the only reasons I chose to pursue a major in the classics, the teachers and the capability of embracing the inner geek that comes when reading stories of Ajax and Achilles razing entire cities with the swift movements of a sword scratched an itch in my brain that needed more.  I was pressured to major in History or Economics much like the majority of the students here are, but I decided to pursue something I actually enjoy doing.  The satisfaction of learning Latin, a virtually useless dead language, is a one of a kind experience.  It’s not something that is forced but rather enjoyed.  Much like an Economics major enjoy finding a trend in some graph or whatever Economics majors do.  I’ve been told my whole life that if you love your work then you won’t work a day in your life.  This works the same for majors.  I thoroughly enjoy learning and reading about myths and Greek and Roman History that it feels like I have a hobby as a major.  There are obviously some moments where I’d rather be drinking some nectar than studying the subjunctive form of verbs, but there is a grain of salt that comes with everything.  The fact that I am a student athlete really had no effect on my choice in my major.  Some think it’s odd, but I think it is stranger for someone to pick a major based on its name value.  Do what you enjoy and life will all of a sudden become much easier.