The New High School Cafeteria: GSU

By Lulu Schloss

Photo by: Mia Bianco

When I walked into the George Sherman Union as a new transfer, I felt as though I had stepped back into freshman year of high school. A room littered with tables and students in their respective groups, deep in conversations I felt I couldn't be part of. It felt less like a college student union and more like a high school cafeteria. As I walked through the mall-like room, the anticipation of finding a seat alone was scarier than transferring to BU on my own. 

The social hierarchy at BU is almost nonexistent until you step into GSU — there is something for everyone and more. There are hundreds of clubs and organizations to join to meet and befriend your peers. The cliquiness of certain colleges doesn't feel apparent at BU due to its large size. But at GSU, you can easily see individual cliques of students simply by looking around. 

Fraternity and sorority tables stick out with their letters branded on sweatshirts, T-shirts, and sweats. Walking past these tables feels like the popular groups in high school. They are exclusive, something you can only be part of if you're accepted by everyone already in it. The people themselves are not intentionally judgemental, but the size and integration of the groups are what intimidated me the most. 

Athletes can be easily spotted by bright red backpacks slung across their chairs. Scooters parked outside signal they’ve arrived. Their voices carry through the large room, laughter shaking the walls. While I don't possess the same athletic ability, I found myself wondering whether I could fit in with them if invited. This was the same feeling I felt about the tables in the high school cafeteria. 

The various other tables are flooded with friend groups, study groups, coffee dates, and more. Everyone seemed right in place, except for me. But looking back, I realize I was creating a social hierarchy in my head that might not actually exist. These groups are stuck together by mutual interest or activities, but they aren't glued shut. I want to refute my cliquishness and remind myself that once, everyone was in the same position I was. They have already had the time to find their people. That doesn't mean they don't want any additions in their lives.

Now that I have found my own clubs, activities, and strong support system, I can walk through GSU without wondering where I could sit. I look back on my anxieties and laugh. No one was purposefully making GSU feel like a high school cafeteria except for me.