~ YOUTHFUL Optimistic EXUBERANCI University is a place for discovery, learning, and friendship. It promises a bright and cheery future, and a path for following your dreams and hopes into a beautiful sunset of joy and happiness. Then sometimes, when you're not looking, it sneaks up behind you, steals your wallet, loses your vital documents, and beats you with all those textbooks you have hidden in your closet. You know, those ones behind your copy of “Payday” and your collection of Tiffany records? Those books that you're sure you might be able to use someday? Well, you won't. Not even a little bit. The point is that although many students live full, happy university lives, sometimes school takes a turn for the worse, and leaves the crippled, brutalized remains of the once fresh-faced and dashing young student in the dust, gathering student loans like they were episodes of “Invader Zim.” Here, for the very first time, Over The Edge presents a study of this phenomenon over two generations of the same family, in the hope that a cure for this dreaded malady may be found. But we doubt it will. We’re pretty cynical. Amy Hammerstedt, 18, is a brand-new UNBC student. Hers is a story of excellent grades and even better scholarships. Our reporters managed to catch Amy during a rare gap in her schedule of hardy schoolwork and rip-roaring funtainment. We talked to her in the Over The Edge office, and constructed the following investigative glance into the world of this remarkable first-year student. >> OTE: Thanks for this interview, Amy. >> AMY: Sure. >> OTE: So, Amy, what made you choose UNBC over other Canadian post-second- ary institutions? >> AMY: I received a scholarship which cov- ers my tuition for four years. My marks in the academic subjects were the highest in my grade eleven , class. By maintaining at least a B aver- age in grade twelve, I received this generous award, and here I am. >> OTE: Congratulations. What major do-you plan to pursue, and to what end? >> AMY: I’m doing a joint major in history and political science. After I have complet- ed my undergraduate degree, I hope to break into law, and become a lawyer. >> OTE: That’s quite ambitious. Now let’s talk about living in Prince George. I understand that your scholarship includes a guaran- teed spot in resi- dence. Have you taken UNBC up on this offer? >> AMY: Yes, I have. >> OTE: How are you enjoy- ing resi- 4 dence so | far? >> AMY: Res is fun. I like my roommates, and we’ve decorated our living room. The big Canadian maple leaf in the window has received a lot of attention so far. We also plan to get a fish- tank [ed. note: probably some fish, too]. >> OTE: I’m glad you're enjoying resi- dence. What about the city of Prince George? . >> AMY: It smells bad in the morning sometimes, but it’s usually not bad. >> OTE: I understand that before school began, you attended the week-long Student Success Week. How did you enjoy that? >> AMY: I enjoyed it, and it gave me a chance to move in and get settled before the rush began. I enjoyed meeting new people who are also in their first year. My least favourite part of Student Success Week was my orienta- tion group, the self-dubbed “Foxy Monkeys.” I hated the Foxy Monkeys. >> FIRST-YEAR OTE PHOTOGRAPHER: Down with the Foxy Monkeys! >> AMY: Kiss my ass. >> OTE: Yes. Um, great. We also understand that during Student Success Week you viewed presentations by sever- al campus clubs and societies. Do any of those stand out in your mind? >> AMY: The Women Centre’s presentation was the most boring, and for some reason they did it twice. The best presentation was the newspaper’s [ed. note: SCORE!] >> OTE: On to the actual university, now. How are you enjoying your courses so far? >> AMY: Well, it’s still really early, but so far my classes seem good. >> OTE: And what, praytell, of cafeteria food? >> AMY: I haven't eaten there yet. I’ve been cooking all of my meals myself. >> OTE: That may be the best news I’ve ever heard. Thanks again for the interview, Amy. >> AMY: You’re welcome.