(Alternate title: School pride rears its ugly head.)I did not attend Northwest Missouri State University (NMSU). Not that there's anything wrong with going to NMSU. But I didn't.
I am a proud graduate of Truman State University, also known (at least to its proud graduates) as the Harvard of the Midwest.
[Unfortunate side note: Yes, I am aware - and have been since returning to the real world after graduation - that many, many other colleges between the coasts claim this title. Read here for a humorous article that not only references Truman's desire to hold this honor, but also points out that, strangely enough, most schools in Missouri think they are the Midwest's answer to Ivy League.]
So, admittedly, I may have not attended the official Harvard of the Midwest. But I also did not attend NMSU. I did not go to college in Maryville!
See, many people confuse NMSU with Truman, probably because one is located in Maryville, while the other is located in Kirksville. But is it really that difficult to see the difference? As difficult as the difference between Memorial Day and Labor Day, I suppose.
I don't know why I get so riled up when people make this mistake. Maybe it's because I worked for the Kirksville Chamber of Commerce and appreciate the community with all its quirks and middle-of-nowhereness. Maybe it's because I'm a big proponent of accuracy. Or maybe, it's because I have a problem with pride. I want everyone to know that I'm smart. I'm so smart I had to go to the smart school. And that's Truman! In Kirksville! So there!
Uh, yeah. Definite pride. I think some school pride is okay (check this out if you want to know why I'd be proud of Truman), but pride in myself is not okay. So, let's get the facts straight, people.
1. I graduated from Truman State University.
2. Truman is located in Kirksville, Missouri.
3. It may or may not be the Harvard of the Midwest.
4. I have a big issue with pride.
What about you? Do you have pride? School pride? School spirit? (Yes, we do. We have spirit, how 'bout you?)
