by Pooka

Created on: May 12, 2008

Social Groups in College

Everyone, like everything, comes in categories. These categories start off broad and wide, with billions of people fitting them. But within each category lays subcategory within subcategory. descending from being one of billions of denizens of the Earth, to a single individual with a completely unique life. The broadest category this essay will looks at, is the college student.

College students can be generalized into two groups; traditional and nontraditional students. The traditional student generally enters college in his late teen years, usually straight from high school. They have little or no experience in the workplace, most not even able to afford the luxury of a car. And they more than likely live on campus.
Nontraditional students are simply everyone else. Most of them completed high school many years ago, some may already have degrees in certain areas. The often already hold positions in the job market, but seek to better themselves and become open to more financial opportunities by furthering their education. They usually live off campus and for them the social aspect of college starts and ends inside the classroom. They are already well established and confident in life.

Entering as freshmen; tired, hungry, poor, huddling masses of traditional students are thrust into cramped dormitories. The shear closeness of their living arrangements practically forces friendship upon them. They are like frightened neighbors who share a shower and swap displays of false bravado. So they quickly get to know each other and gain knowledge of the general feel of the community, and their place in this small society. These students each fall into smaller, often stereotyped categories. There are the jocks, the geeks, the preppies, the partiers, the Goths, the nerds, and many more, including the catch-all class of outcasts and misfits.

Jocks are the school athletes. The ones playing football, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, hockey, and every other competitive sport the university has to offer. This is the group traditionally perhaps, has gotten the most attention and renown. They are high spirited and show a strong support for their school. Each team is almost like a brotherhood. Where they learn through arduous and persistent practices and meets, to trust one another and play as one. Bonds of friendship and trust are forged with the weight of responsibility and commitment.

The Goths can be spotted a mile away with their fluorescent mohawks and metal-studded

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