Ripon’s latest production of Cymbeline.
It’s quite common for catchy phrases, or nicknames, to be given to certain groups of people. In elementary school, they were simply different names in place of our own, then changed to clique groups in middle and high school. But in college, it seems, these have become associated with majors and buildings about campus. One of these is given to those who, like myself, frequent the art, music, and theater departments on lower campus- the “Rodman Rats.”
Being moderately new to the college myself, I am uncertain of how long this nickname has existed, or how many other nicknames revolve around campus. But I know that the term “Rodman Rats” has been used often to describe common visitors to the building- and to be honest, the name seems to be quite fitting. Speaking from the viewpoint of an art major, I know what it’s like to scurrabout the building, going past others headed in different directions, all in search of the right room, or for (their bag of supplies that was accidentally left in the last class. It gets hectic down there- a real “rat race,” if you will- and I believe that the name was bestowed on us fairly. I’m certain that other buildings may have their own specialized terms for their inhabitants as well, and, though I’m not certain of what they are, I’m quite sure that many who share that name find it fitting for their behaviors.
Of course, there are others who may argue that the term can be made rather rude towards the students who wear them- after all, is it really right for others to call us rats simply because of a shared interest? It almost seems like a clique on its own, something that in high school we tried so hard to avoid, and it separated students in a way that perhaps may not be approved of. I disagree with the thought that it is insulting, however; a name does not dictate who we are, only what actions are given towards those names. And besides, being a rat isn’t so bad- they’re hard-working, intelligent animals that rely heavily on teamwork to succeed. So if you’re ever given a nickname, such as a “Rodman Rat,” wear it like a badge of honor with pride in your heart, and do your best to live up to its expectations. You never know how important it can be.
It’s quite common for catchy phrases, or nicknames, to be given to certain groups of people. In elementary school, they were simply different names in place of our own, then changed to clique groups in middle and high school. But in college, it seems, these have become associated with majors and buildings about campus. One of these is given to those who, like myself, frequent the art, music, and theater departments on lower campus- the “Rodman Rats.”
Being moderately new to the college myself, I am uncertain of how long this nickname has existed, or how many other nicknames revolve around campus. But I know that the term “Rodman Rats” has been used often to describe common visitors to the building- and to be honest, the name seems to be quite fitting. Speaking from the viewpoint of an art major, I know what it’s like to scurrabout the building, going past others headed in different directions, all in search of the right room, or for (their bag of supplies that was accidentally left in the last class. It gets hectic down there- a real “rat race,” if you will- and I believe that the name was bestowed on us fairly. I’m certain that other buildings may have their own specialized terms for their inhabitants as well, and, though I’m not certain of what they are, I’m quite sure that many who share that name find it fitting for their behaviors.
Of course, there are others who may argue that the term can be made rather rude towards the students who wear them- after all, is it really right for others to call us rats simply because of a shared interest? It almost seems like a clique on its own, something that in high school we tried so hard to avoid, and it separated students in a way that perhaps may not be approved of. I disagree with the thought that it is insulting, however; a name does not dictate who we are, only what actions are given towards those names. And besides, being a rat isn’t so bad- they’re hard-working, intelligent animals that rely heavily on teamwork to succeed. So if you’re ever given a nickname, such as a “Rodman Rat,” wear it like a badge of honor with pride in your heart, and do your best to live up to its expectations. You never know how important it can be.
