By Jamie L., Freshman Contributor

I didn’t expect to cry in the Ancient Agora of Athens. I expected to take a cool photo for my “Philosophy 101” extra credit. But standing where Socrates once asked annoying questions, I realized: I am a professional pretender.

We almost called this issue “Rebuild.”

I pretend I have my major figured out. I pretend I don’t miss my dog. I pretend the 8 a.m. lecture doesn’t terrify me.

— Alex “I Cried in the Agora (And That’s Fine)” A First-Year’s Confession

Dear Freshmen,