This past August, I was a freshman.. sorry, ‘first-year student’. Granted, I’m still a freshman – but not in the deer-in-the-headlights, lanyard-wearing, travel-in-packs sense of the word. I had planned on joining The Slant since my visit to Vandy in April; the newest issue was on the racks then and I just couldn’t believe how outrageous it was. A school publication fearlessly touting obscenities, ‘penis’ and consistent criticism of the administration, and the Vandy world in general – it even came with a disclaimer! – seemed phenomenal and way preferable to the stereotypical, boring, ‘real news’ publications.

I followed through and joined The Slant. I was promptly ripped to shreds, viciously criticized, made fun of and proceeded to cry. The sarcastic, witty, pretentious bastards that compose the staff of the paper took one look at me and told me never to come back. Meryem is a heartless bitch. Not really. At all. It’s great.

Writing for The Slant and working alongside such awesome people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise has been one of my favorite parts of the Vandy experience. And the good news is, we’re always looking for new people. Come on in Mondays at 8 in Sarratt 130 and join the party, you won’t regret it.