By George Flynn | Opinions Editor
I’m a little delusional. In fact, I can be downright strange at times. I live my life like it is a television series. This is not a joke. I know what season I’m in and how many episodes are in each season. I know the story arcs that are involved with every single character and even who the “villains” are. To explain further, this is the ninth and final season. Seasons are based off of semesters in college, including one summer season in 2013. With only two episodes left of the series which is entitled “The Burgh,” a lot has happened to my friends/fellow cast members and me.
Over the past four years at Duquesne we sobbed over exams and significant others, celebrated birthdays and weekends and fought for each other and a seat on the loop bus. Within each and every issue we went through, I learned a lesson, whether it be from a colossal mistake or a positive experience. And now, with my final column as Opinions editor, I hope to share my lessons with you.
Assumption Hall
Many of my personal problems in my first two years of college happened because of assumptions I’ve made. I thought people hated me when really they thought I had an aversion toward them. I felt abandoned, when really the universe did not revolve around me.
For example, during Season Four on my 20th birthday, my best friend disappeared. I was alone with a few acquaintances in Oakland and all I wanted was to have her by my side. Instead of doing the mature thing, I decided to blow up her phone and leave rude voicemails. I was upset, it was my birthday so of course I felt entitled.
The next day, I found out she was taking care of a girl in need and was acting as a Good Samaritan. I felt awful, I apologized to her and asked her to delete the voicemails before she could hear them.
Never make assumptions. Ask what is going on before you blow up and cause a scene, because the only person that will look like an idiot is you.
Only Give Your Heart to Father Hogan
We’ve all done it. In the past four years of college everyone I have known has given themselves freely to someone who didn’t deserve it, whether it be a crush, a potential love interest or a full blown relationship that was doomed from the start.
I have a friend who is near and dear to my heart. She is the nicest person out of my friend group. She is always considerate and makes sure everyone feels included. She buys everyone birthday gifts and never expects anything in return. She will always be the first person there to support you.
She had a relationship with someone during our sophomore year that was to say the least egregious. Her girlfriend seemed sweet at first. She was adventurous, wild and incredibly perceptive. However, as time went on it became apparent that she was awful. Often times my dear friend was upset and would cry often.
By the time our junior year started, my friend got it together and got rid of her. Through time she struggled with the break-up, but eventually she found someone new that was perfect for her and she is the happiest she has ever been.
Never give your heart to someone who doesn’t deserve it. People will abuse that and will take advantage if you are as good natured as my close friend.
Sleep is not the Enemy
The first person I truly clicked with at Duquesne had an extremely challenging job.
She was a night desk aide. Through her time she had to deal with rude drunk people on the weekends and even week nights and had to stay up all night. This is not healthy for anyone.
She had to work all night and then go to class and then take naps in the middle of the day. She had to structure her entire day around work and barely had any time to sleep.
The girl that always made me laugh was eventually tired down by the troublesome job. How can anyone be expected to work such an atrocious shift?
Eventually she got out and was able to find a new job that allowed her some rest.
Always get a good night of rest. You will perform better in classes and will be a functioning human being versus a zombie.
As my fake television show starts to wrap up with only two episodes to go, I don’t know what to think. I am going to take everything I learned and apply it to my real life and hopefully learn more along the way. “The Burgh” delusion was a huge part of my experience at Duquesne and my friends I made along the way will always play a huge part in my life even after the credits roll.
Who knows? Maybe a reunion movie will be in the works one day.
George Flynn is a senior English major and can be reached at flynng@duq.edu.
