Music has always been my safety net. When most people would have turned to their family or friends to help get a few things off their chests, I turned to my headphones.
For as long as I can remember I have had a CD player or an iPod with bands like Taking Back Sunday, Sum 41, and New Found Glory radiating through my headphones.
Even when I was held up at gunpoint a few weeks ago –yes, welcome to Buffalo – the only thing that popped into my head was Adam Lazzara's voice singing, "And will you tell all your friends, you got your gun to my head?"
Most people do not understand why I spend 75 percent of my money on concert tickets, but for me, a concert is how I get my angst out.
Until I got to this wonderful school, I did not care about much, and to an extent, I still don't. But my passion for music has not waivered once.
A great man by the name of John Ranic convinced me to start writing for The Spectrum because he said that I cared about music almost as much as he did. Little did I know, writing would quickly become another one of my passions.
But that's my passion, what's yours?
When you go to a school as big as UB, it is easy to be overwhelmed by all the opportunities that are offered here. The most important thing to remember when you first get to school is to go out and do something; don't just sit in your dorm room.
The first thing you should do is check out a football game. They are free and there isn't a better way to improve your school spirit than cheering your (hopefully drunken) face off at UB Stadium.
The next thing you should be concerned with is Fall Fest. This so-called "free concert" comes from our Mandatory Student Activity Fee so go and dance and have fun at the show that you're paying for. Unfortunately for us, the SA has a less then stellar history when it comes to bringing bands that the campus appreciates, but we're staying positive for this year.
Once you get in the groove of things, check out some clubs. There are over 200 clubs at UB ranging from the Pre Law Student Association to the Ultimate Frisbee club, so chances are there is something for you. If you're a fan of playing music, check out the Jam Club. If you like to argue, check out Mock Trial.
Even if there isn't a club that interests you, you can make your own. There are people out there with the same interest as you. Go find them and you will make some of your closest friends.
You are paying thousands of dollars a year to go to this fine institution, so make the most of it. Don't just sit in your room and patrol the hub because four years are going to pass quickly and you will end up kicking yourself.
Questions? Comments? Have a better idea?
E-mail: jsbutler@buffalo.edu
