This week I decided to deviate from my routine of only writing straightforward news stories and instead wrote about a party metal band, WARANIMAL and their rad beach party show at SPACE Gallery a couple weekends ago.
As executive editor, I can write and publish whatever I want, with only my desire to run a serious publication or threats of resignation from my staff to restrain me. I could publish a full page picture of me on A1 next week if I was so inclined. (Don’t get too excited yet; I’m saving that for my last issue).
Despite a kick to the face during the show resulting in a subconjunctival hemorrhage (aka a red bloody patch on the white of my left eye), I had tons of fun. I even enjoyed writing the story, which I can’t always say for Faculty Senate articles.
With the number responsibilities thrown on you daily, it’s easy get smothered and lose yourself. This is true for anyone, but college students often find themselves in a difficult limbo of paying to attend school and still supporting themselves. Work can take precedent over school or vice verse.
For me, this means occasionally forgetting online assignments or scrambling to find stories on Friday afternoons. Even now, on Sunday afternoon, I’m writing this instead of working on homework. But often, the part of my life that ends up neglected isn’t school or work: It’s fun.
That’s why I wrote the WARANIMAL story.
A little while ago, a friend asked me what article from last semester I was most proud of. I thought hard and drew a blank. I wrote nothing memorable during last semester as news editor — a depressing thought considering how much time I sunk at the paper that semester.
My aspiration for fun-ness only snowballed after meeting with WARANIMAL a few times. These guys — a couple of them students — devote an immense amount of effort into having fun and ensuring others share the sentiment. They couldn’t even all keep a straight face long enough for our photographer to snap a “serious” portrait.
Are they ever going to make enough money playing music to support themselves? Probably not. And they’re most likely not going to become millionaires by playing music. But neither am I by writing.
I know students who fall on both ends of the work/fun spectrum. On one hand is my friend from Maine Maritime Academy who hates it but is guaranteed a well paying job after graduating. And on the other are students shirking their homework in lieu of Jagerbombs.
No matter where you fall, you should take comfort in WARANIMAL. Or the proverbial Dude in “The Big Lebowski.”
Because it’s good knowing they’re out there — taking it easy for all us sinners.