Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

To the Editor:

Being in college is interesting, to say the least. From the late nights studying to awkwardly creating friendships in 8 a.m. lectures that are likely to last a lifetime, KU (the University of Kansas) has been unlike any experience I have ever had before in my life.

I hope that with the coming years I am able to see other Fort Scott graduates joining and sharing the excellent experience I have come to see as "college."

My name is Jeffery Durbin, a 2011 graduate of Fort Scott High School and freshman at the University of Kansas. I am writing to share my experiences in college and just how they were made possible.

Coming to the University of Kansas was a monumental occasion in my life. Since I am from a really small town just north of Fort Scott -- Fulton -- I had no clue what going to a large university like KU would hold in store for me. I have been surprised, however, by the wonderful opportunities, friends and events that I have been a part of. The first semester of my college career was difficult. I got lost in a blur of all the new experiences I was surrounded by, filled with stress at the new concept of real "homework." These experiences, whether beneficial or detrimental, have helped me become the architect in which I am able to build a better Jeff Durbin.

The first decision I made in tandem with my decision to attend the University of Kansas was that I would push myself to be more extroverted. Originally planning to live in Lewis Hall with three of the most interesting men from across the United States, I was hoping that dormitory life would help me succeed in my goal. After an offer to live in cheaper residence, I decided to become a pledge of Triangle Fraternity. Throughout my pledge semester at the fraternity, I learned a lifetime of valuable life lessons ranging from having the ability to be comfortable with myself and meeting new people to taking pride and having integrity in the work that I do. Despite these life lessons, I gained about 40 of the best friends I've ever had. The first semester saw me elected as the Triangle Fraternity Recruitment Chair as well. My purpose is to recruit men for our fraternity; a stress, indeed, but worth every bit. Outside of the fraternity, involvement in Greek Life on the KU campus has been a wonderful experience. As the Triangle Fraternity IFC representative, I have the opportunity to represent our house to the rest of the Greek community and participate in the functionality of the community. As a former member of the Junior Greek Executive Committee, I also oversaw how pledging with fraternities at the University of Kansas could be improved. In being involved in the Greek community, I have met multitudes of people: each unique.

The fraternity was only a small portion of my involvement throughout the first semester. My major upon arriving at the university was chemical engineering, pre-med, biomedicine focus. I had a passion for pharmaceutical research and development, and I wanted to be on the leading front of medical research concerning medication to help cardiac health patients. Given those interests, I quickly pressed for involvement with the KU Blood Drive. After many hours of chalking, blogging and poster-hanging, the director offered me two critical positions: Head Greek recruiter and volunteer coordinator. My responsibility with the first position entailed giving presentations at the fraternities and sororities and asking for their willingness to donate blood. The second position asked that I coordinate the over 200 volunteers that KU Blood Drive had for each donation location. For a freshman struggling with 17 credit hours -- I was in over my head. Needless to say, I am not quite sure how I managed a decent grade point average from my first semester. Outside of KU Blood Drive, I was also involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters: Lawrence, Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, KU Society of Open Minded Atheists and Agnostics, and Called to Greatness.

Everything I've done these first two semesters so far has been phenomenal. My "college" experience would not be what it is if I hadn't had support. To say "thank you" is nowhere near an appropriate enough conclusion for this letter. A nod goes to every person in Fort Scott who helped me become a Jeff Durbin worth meeting; thanks go to my father, John Durbin, and my brothers Michael and Tommy for believing that I could succeed in something far greater than I could ever imagine; my gratitude goes to Christina Hixson, among others, who made the University of Kansas a reality in my life by providing scholarships. Every day, I am thankful for the opportunities I have been given.

No matter who comes to KU, they are bound to have the experience of a lifetime. At KU, "college" isn't just college -- it's a moment to become who you were born to be.

Rock Chalk!

Jeffery Durbin

Fulton