TCU has its own soap opera happening
Be careful what you do because we are all interconnected at TCU – in everything we do.
COMMENTARY
Jenny Specht

Be careful what you do because we are all interconnected at TCU – in everything we do.

The best advice I received at orientation was a humorous commentary on TCU life:

“Boys, you will have to see her again.”

The reverse is true as well on this small, interconnected campus. Beware: TCU karma is out to get you.

Think of our campus as a soap opera with a limited cast of characters. Think of it as a version of “Six Degrees of Separation (or Kevin Bacon)” — only make that three degrees.

Yes, as an ancient senior, I am convinced that I am only three degrees of acquaintance away from anyone on this campus. I recognize everyone in my classes from somewhere.

I am, in fact, the person who had a class with your sophomore roommate’s boyfriend.

Then again, you have probably talked to my best friend’s sister at a party. It’s not just me — you are all connected too.

What is the harm, you ask? We’re a big happy family. Texas friendly. It’s nice to see familiar faces around.

The harm, I tell you, is that karma will come back and get you. What goes around, comes around. And some day, your connection with someone — whether it be directly or through three degrees — will make a difference.

Think about the kid you turned in for playing his music too loud in the dorms freshman year. He/she knew it was you. He/she has glared at you ever since. He/she will, I assure you, be the only person you can ask for notes on a final a few years later. Count on it — you’re failing the final.

Or, consider the girl you never called in Colby Hall. I’m saying “girl”, because we all know this scenario has to involve a guy. I’m saying “Colby” because only freshman girls would believe this (Sorry, but it’s true. I was once a freshman too). Basically, when you find the girl that you do want to call back, she’s going to live right across the hall from the first one, and is going to tell her all about what you did to her. Oops.

Freshmen, I’m warning you. Seniors, I’m echoing your pain. As we search for jobs, who will be our new co-workers? Not our friends, but our exes’ new significant others; the person who your friend did a group project with and called “the most annoying person on earth;” the person whose roommate was at the party where your most embarrassing moment occurred.

Depressing, isn’t it? How do we escape such a travesty, assuming we have all committed one cosmic sin or another since our time in college began?

Option 1: Turn the karma around. Forgive the next person who blares Britney Spears at 3 a.m. Call the next girl you say you will. Hope that the TCUniverse forgives you.

Option 2: Beg and grovel when you eventually need something from that person. It was entirely your fault. You are so sorry. Crying would not hurt.

Option 3: In the instance that the implications of this action involve a third-hand party, let the past incident humanize you. Make a joke. Humble yourself.

Some may deny the truth of my argument; others may never have yet experienced it. The phenomenon does exist — caused by the combined factors of a small population, bored students, and a rampant gossip mill.

So here is some unsolicited advice, dear readers: have fun in college but be cautious whenever possible.

However, it is impossible to predict which actions will later cause damage. In the end, you have to live your life and scoff at the ridiculousness of our incestuous world here in 76129.

Jenny Specht is a senior English and political science major from Fort Worth. She can be reached at (j.l.specht@tcu.edu).