Attending a small liberal arts college proscribes a very distinct college experience and equally distinct college memories. I enjoy the experience and I will enjoy the memories. But sometimes I wonder: what would different experiences and memories be like? Likewise, most every Pomona student has wondered at one time or another: how would life be different if I’d chosen a large state school?

Surely large state schools would be better than Pomona in some ways, and worse than Pomona in other ways. But why wonder what the good things about a state school would have felt like? Why not try to replicate them here at Pomona? Sure, we could never suceed. But we could sure have fun trying.

Hence, the following proposal: Sometime during April one week should be declared UC Pomona week. During UC Pomona week, we’d all pretend that we go to a UC school. Kind of.

People would fill Walker Beach and Marston quad at all times. Frisbees would always be flying, a guy with a funny haircut and a lizard on his shoulder would be walking around, and cheap beer would flow like water. Like water!

There would be a date party. Clark I, Clark V, and Walker would be Greek row. Every afternoon students would be out barbecuing and playing volleyball. Someone would set up a Slip N Slide.

Everynight, many students would put ridiculous amounts of effort into throwing parties. They would decorate their rooms and halls for these events. Everyone would be invited. Music would blare from every room. We’d carry lunch out of the dining halls and all eat outside. And as we walked to class, protestors would chant at us.

Sure, we’d keep our perks. Easy parking. No line at the registrar’s office. Snack.

But the rest of the week would be like a vacation from Pomona at Pomona, just for the hell of it. Michigan has the Naked Mile. New Orleans has Mardi Gras. Reed has Wren Fest. Pomona needs UC Pomona week.

On the last day of UC Pomona week, everyone would go to the beach. People with cars would give strangers rides. You’d suntan and surf and swim and at night you’d start a bonfire.

And the whole thing would be free!!! You couldn’t afford not to participate in UC Pomona week. Then, when you looked back at college, you’d have the unique memories of Pomona College. And you’d have the unique memories of UC Pomona week. Not quite state school memories, but better than nothing.

Of course, the nature of UC Pomona week requires a large amount of student participation. And Pomona students are apathetic, right? But state school students are apathetic too. We just need to be as apathetic as they are.

This is a serious proposal. Let’s just do it.

Hey, why not?

–Conor Friedersdorf