Editor:

I am writing to comment on Jeremy Pepper's diatribe on honoraria, humorously titled "Freshmen! How to Succeed at the U of A" (June 19).

I think that Mr. Pepper defuses his own argument by scaring freshmen away from honoraria. Honoraria provide a far more important function than just the shortsighted self-gratification and ass-kissing skills that Mr. Pepper seems to think they are limited to.

Now I don't know if Mr. Pepper's view on honoraria has been distorted by either Chain Gang or his own personal motives, but let me tell you why I think honoraria and other campus organizations hold an immeasurable value to incoming freshmen.

I, too, am not speaking as an outsider. I was once a freshman, and I am now the vice president of Chimes Junior Honorary. When I first entered this great university, I really didn't do much. Of course, I went to class, but in my free time, I either plopped down to watch talk shows or went to weekend beer bashes. I was having a good time, but I felt that I was missing out on all of the other things on campus.

As the year progressed, I decided I needed more in my life than just class, beer and TV. So, I traveled out of my dorm room to find some new stuff to do. I joined the Model United Nations club and got involved in ASUA and Residence Life. Before I knew it, I had hardly a minute to spend with my old friends - TV and beer. Although I did find a little time for these old chums, I was actually doing stuff that I was proud to tell my parents about, and meeting many diverse and interesting people along the way.

Freshmen! For all of the hot Pepper on honoraria, just remember one thing and you'll be OK in or out of an honorary - don't isolate yourself from any part of the UA community. The secret to success lies completely in the opposite direction. The university is not just a huge classroom. It has a lot of interesting clubs and activities to offer. Experience as many diverse hobbies and activities as you can, including honoraria. The goal is not to feed your ego, but to find your soul. In the first few weeks of school, challenge yourself to wander into one club and just say, "I want to get involved." Involvement is where you will have the most fun, meet friends that will last you a lifetime, and, believe it or not, it is where you will do most of your learning during your college days.

Jeff Schrade
Political science and economics junior