I really only have one piece of advice to offer my younger, freshman self: ride a scooter.
I don’t mean a motor scooter. Sure, those are OK, maybe someone will think you’re an athlete, but that’s not the point. I’m talking kick scooters, the kind you push with your feet.
As a freshman I would occasionally see a proud scooterist zipping by with a huge smile on his face, poised, ready to bunny hop at any moment. Each time I observed this exhibition I was nearly convinced. I made it as far as placing a Pro XXX model Razor into my online shopping cart, but I could never convince myself actually to place the order.
I was too worried, terrified actually. Most would be surprised at the amount of negative pressure that society can impose on a prospective scooter owner. In fact, scooter owners may be one of the most marginalized groups in modern society.
I’ve scoured the internet, and as far as I can see there isn’t even an official title for scooter owners. Many have proposed the title “scootercyclist,” others are in favor of “scootin’man,” but neither camp has gained enough support to be officially recognized by a creditable dictionary.
My point, freshman me, is to have fun. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Know when to work, when to play and when to do a bit of both. If you’re happier on a scooter, ride a scooter. Chances are people won’t be able to make fun of you. They won’t even know what to call you.
