Undergrads vs. Grads

It is becoming easier and easier to tell the difference between an undergraduate student and a graduate student as I spend more time on the BU campus. Normally, I have a tough time guessing ages, which is probably a good thing. I am on the older end age wise of my peers in the PR program, but it is still apparent that even the 21-year-olds who are grad students are older than the 20-year-old undergraduates. The most telling factor is the apparant attitude difference. Undergraduates walk around with an almost pained expression on their faces, as if they have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Slumped over, carrying a backpack, they look less than thrilled to be in an academic building. A fair number of the students in the COM program are probably not sure they will pursue a career path in the field, or are there to fill elective requirements. I usually receive a blank stare when looking into the eyes of the kids in the hallways, trying to smile even though it is not returned. In contrast, most of the grad students I have met, while they may physically look tired, are happy people and engaging. They want to be there. Most grads are carrying coffee and food on their way to a lecture, energizing themselves for the next few hours in order to be active participants. I'm sure part of the difference lies in maturity, but there is something to be said for assuredness and confidence when a person knows what they want to study, or practice as a career. Their enthusiasm is infectious and is obvious to observers.