Letter From the Editor

Dear Colleague,

Well, you made it — you’re in college! And not just any college; you have been accepted to the University of Michigan, one of the most prestigious universities around. It wasn’t easy, either. You were valedictorian; editor of your high school yearbook; captain of the football team; president of the senior class; master debater; the lead in every musical; Who’s Who of American High School Students four years in a row; the state-champion in Dramatic Interpretation...

You were on top.

And now you’re on the bottom.

All the extracurricular activities you took part in while in high school, the countless hours you spent studying for tests and writing papers, the community service you did — it’s just a memory now. Well, lots of memories, actually. Memories that you will look fondly upon for the rest of your life.

But memories nonetheless.

And here you are. Mister Nobody, just one of the thousands upon thousands of incoming freshmen who — get this — were every bit as talented as you. Remember everyone you never really got to talk to in high school? The people who weren’t in your honors classes, the ones you didn’t see next to you on the field or on the stage? Well they’re not here. You may be modest, not wanting to be thought of as egotistical, but the truth is, you outperformed them. While they were out partying, you were home, studying. And it paid off. Only the best have made it this far.

Now you’re on a whole different level. You’re going to have to do it all again — but now the competition is much tougher. What can you do to ensure success at this world-class institution?

The first thing you should do is read this “New Student Issue” from cover to cover. You’re obviously smarter than many other Orientees — you picked up a copy. Now read on as we share our invaluable knowledge with you. Take some copies home for your parents and friends. If you like the Review, look for us every two weeks in the lobby of each residence hall and in all major campus buildings. And if you want to help enhance the lives of every student on campus, come write for us in the fall. (Look for our table at Festifall during the first week of school.)

Until then, good luck. And remember: with some hard work, a lot of perseverance, a little moxie, and the Review to help you along, you will no doubt be successful at the University of Michigan and beyond

Best Wishes, Matthew S. Schwartz Editor-in-Chief

This article was published in the New Student Issue of The Michigan Review (Volume 18, Number 1).
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