The college experience is one of kind. In college students learn about themselves, cultivate their dreams and most of all make lasting relationships. Upon arriving in college the mass pool of new and interesting people is almost overwhelming. Additionally, dating, always an interesting topic of discussion concerning college students is an area of exploration. College students often play the field in an effort to mingle and meet new people. As students mature through college the idea of dating multiple people often becomes mundane, and college men and women get into committed relationships. Ideally, most people would like to meet their future husband or wives in college. However, depending upon the setting, sustaining a committed relationship in college could be a difficult task.
The Atlanta University Center is especially a unique college setting. The schools that make up the AUC in particular Spelman, Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse, although populated with over thousands of people have very close knit relationships. In regards to networking, these relationships are ideal. However, when it comes to personal intimate relationships the familiarity of students within the AUC can become a problem.
First, relationships in the AUC often do not work because everyone knows everyone. In college the most successful relationships are those that stray away public attention. However, this is almost impossible with networks such as Myspace, Facebook and the many interactive networks of people from various schools. Couples can usually only maintain a low key status about a relationship for only so long until someone who happens to know the two of them puts their business on display.
Another set up for disaster is the availability of mates. Although the combined population of the schools is massive, the odds of a person dating someone who their friend or associate has not dated are usually slim to known. Again, familiarity becomes a major problem.
Additionally, there is a high rate of STDs and AIDs in the AUC. This is definitely an issue when trying to choose a mate. You cannot look at someone and tell if they have either, and many college students are reluctant to get tested. The facts concerning this issue often deter students from pursuing relationship with student as the respective colleges.
Overall, maintaining a relationship in the AUC is by far a difficult task one that I would not recommend for the aforementioned reasons. If a student in the AUC, and your dream was to marry out of college I suggest that you find your potential mate at another institution outside the Atlanta University Center
Additionally, there is a high rate of STDs and AIDs in the AUC. This is definitely an issue when trying to choose a mate. You cannot look at someone and tell if they have either, and many college students are reluctant to get tested. The facts concerning this issue often deter students from pursuing relationship with student as the respective colleges.
Overall, maintaining a relationship in the AUC is by far a difficult task one that I would not recommend for the aforementioned reasons. If a student in the AUC, and your dream was to marry out of college I suggest that you find your potential mate at another institution outside the Atlanta University Center
Response by Blkadonis
It goes without saying that having a relationship and maintaining one that involves open lines of communication and trust comes with its challenges and benefits. However, I would be very careful to suggest individuals find their mates outside of the AUC when a number of "healthy" marriages today started here.
In reference to VergeN's initial point of familiarity, although there is a large student population here within the AUC, this setting does not add to the claim that "everyone knows everyone." In fact, it speaks more to the diversity of the area. Also, it is a bit naive to suggest that facebook and myspace play a role in destroying relationships. Those in relationships should opt to control what information is accessible on these sites or opt to not be an active member of the site. Albeit some information has leaked via facebook feed, photo albums and other applications; it does not negate the issue at hand. Simply put, those involved in relationships should take proactive steps to make all information on their respective accounts secure and TRUTHFUL!!
Moreover, the availability of mates within the AUC is an argument which should speak more to the ratio of male to females rather than the meticulousness of certain individuals. For instance, it's a known fact that there are more females than males here in the AUC. And at best, this argument is counterproductive to the writer's first claim that "everyone knows everyone." I, personally, do not know everyone. Therefore, everyone does not know eveyone.
Finally, I do agree that there is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other STDs here in the AUC. I also agree that this is a factor in determining one's partner. This claim assumes that "sexual relations" is involved in these relationships, almost as if it is a precondition to getting to know someone. This simply is not the case.
I have always been ever the champion for finding a mate that respects and cares for you unconditionally. One may find one's "soul mate" here in the AUC. The problem comes when persons bring "baggage" into new relationships and thereby hinder progress towards a "healthy relationship." Relationships are about open and honest dialogue, understanding of both party's background, and support. It is the 80/20 theory. We each must decide what 20% we can live without in the other person. The 80% is what keeps a relationship going. One does not have to search outside of the AUC to find someone to meet them on these levels. In fact, the AUC is a vast ocean of exemplary individuals who each would make great mates.
