Trotting around campus this week, heavy hound’s-tooth printed bookbag in tow, there were a considerable amount of first impressions made upon me. Taking in the sights of all these culture cool and very anti-cool things, it dawned on me how much first impressions matter.

It all started with my vicarious experience of the first weekend. I opted not to go out, due to the way the party scene ended last year, with a list of people not allowed in the “club” being handed out before you even park, and dress codes that seem to appear alongside higher cover charges when the black students show up to have a good time.

Due to things like this, the Pan Dash got together to throw a party at the Student Center. Of course, everyone couldn’t get in, leading to disgruntled freshman and others who are left wondering if this is what they have to look forward to.

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My first impression was that the SIUC community isn’t as welcoming as it once appeared to be, and once the word gets around, the low enrollment problem is sure to increase.

The horrible first impression saga continued with a group of novice fashion design students taking a smoke break in front of Quigley. I peered at these students who where puffing directly in front of the child development laboratories doors that donned a no smoking sign, undoubtedly meant for people like them. While I don’t care if you smoke or not, my already hot walk had me fuming, as I noticed this as well as ground shaking music from a nearby car.

I can’t put my car into drive without having the right CD picked out (that is, if my car bothered to start at all). The music has to be loud for me but if you like the treble up high by all means express yourself, but take a second to think about what these things say about you.

People are irritated, and wondering if they can handle an entire semester of this, walking to their 8 a.m. class. Thoughts are interrupted by the bass doing its job of being distracting. On first impression, who is he trying to impress? Do you really need that much attention, and can he tell the looks he’s garnering are eye rolls and not nods of approval or acceptance.

Point is, if you’re a treble-up-high kind of guy, save it for the weekends or strictly off campus moments. “Stunting” around campus makes you look as lame as you are.

Look at case study two: the whole “smoking makes me look cool” thing died with the denim miniskirt over leggings look.

My first impression is: If you can take the stairs all the way down from the third floor for a cigarette, you can take a few more paces away from the door for the children and their parents.

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Here are a few tips about first impressions: Your character is judged by it, and it’s everlasting. While you can’t help what people think about you, you have control over YOU.

Jakina Hill can be reached at [email protected] or at 536-3311 ext. 275.