Princeton University

May 31, 2005:
The 1122 students in the Class of 2005 at Princeton graduated today. Family and friends from around the world sat in the relentless sun and soothing shade on the front campus. I saw many faces streamed with tears and sweat—a fitting end to my project.

It has been a long year, but I guess they all are. Since August, I have gained and lost friends, weight, and money. I began and finished various projects. My life has twisted in several different directions along the way, leaving me headed on a trajectory that I would never have predicted a year ago. In those ways, this year is like most others in my life.

But this year was decidedly unusual. I have had the rare privilege to indulge in my fascination with the Ivy League schools. I have walked halls and paths that most people never see. I sat in on entertaining classes and witnessed unique campus events. I met hundreds of people—students, professors, and alumni—who have made my life more colorful. Students who had no reason to help me gave me their time and shared their thoughts, and my friends gave me their support and encouragement along the way. This project has been an effort on the part of many people, and I am very thankful to have played a part in it. I have learned a great deal—more than I expected to when I came up with the title of the book—and I am excited to share the story of my adventures with readers next year.

Although this has been an experience that I will carry with me for years to come, I'm afraid that I can't say the same about my poor car. Over the past nine months, I have watched the unlucky vehicle that I selected for the project die a slow death. But I have selected a shady spot behind my family's house, and I look forward to burying my car there this summer.

May 10, 2005:
The chapter on Princeton is just about finished. Today is Dean's Date—the last day for students to turn in written work. Then finals begin. That is my signal to wrap up.

But I'm not quite finished with Princeton. Reunion weekend is a huge event on campus, and I'm surprised at how many students encouraged me to check it out. I will be back for that, and then I will stay through commencement.

Which brings up an important point. Throughout this project, I intended to attend graduation. It seems like the best way to end my year of research. As it turns out, Princeton's graduation ceremony is by ticket only. Anyone who gets me a ticket will have my eternal thanks.

May 3, 2005:
Now that house party weekend is over, the students are (theoretically) starting to study for exams and turning their attentions to papers. The end of the academic year feels like it should bring excitement, but it only seems to bring more work followed by a dull sense of relief.

The distraction of the students gives me time to just enjoy the area. Princeton is a beautiful place. The buildings are interesting and the lawns are sprawling. The chapel is one of the best in the Ivy League, Nassau Hall is a landmark worth visiting, and the dorms on West campus (minus the current construction at Rocky) make dorm life look pleasant. A few students have mentioned the School of Architecture as a blemish on the campus, but it is lost among the outdoor artwork and stunning beauty of its neighbors.

The town is like a quaint village with Manhattan fashions…and prices. Because every Princeton undergraduate pursuing an A.B. must write a thesis, many of the shops are dedicated to paper binding and book arts; but, in between, you can find clothing stores, pubs, and even homemade ice cream.

The Princeton battlefield is less than two miles from the campus. The word "battlefield" may not spark interest, but it is really a large green space backed by woods worthy of exploration. I have spent hours on the paths, and I haven't covered the entire area yet.

Princeton is an amazing school, but it is also a wonderful place to live. Every school that I have visited has its advantages and strengths, but I think that Princeton has to be the best deal.

April 27, 2005:
Things are going well at Princeton. The students that I have met are all very welcoming. I've been to a class, visited an eating club, hung out in the Chancellor Green Café, had dinner in a residential college, and talked with many students.

I once commented that Cornell students, as a group, are very attractive. I wrote that because many students commented on it. Here at Princeton, no one mentioned it, but I have to report that the students are beautiful. In fact, I don't think I have ever met an unattractive Princeton student. (I'm not throwing down the gauntlet here!) Then again, I've never seen so many people wearing orange, either. Strange coincidence?

Last Sunday was Newman's Day on campus. It turned out to be a bit of a dud. I saw a few drunk people and a couple of semi-naked people, but no more than I might on any Sunday.

But I found out from a few students that the event is controversial. Specifically, Paul Newman has urged the university to end this tradition. He does not endorse substance abuse in any form, and he does not want the day to bear his name. The subject is especially sensitive for Mr. Newman because he lost a son to substance abuse.

The occasion has little to do with the university—it is now a student tradition, and the university would have a difficult time curbing it—but it also has little to do with Paul Newman. I am not even clear on whether he made the comment attributed to him. I am convinced, however, that students will find any excuse to drink. But I understand and thoroughly respect Mr. Newman's position, and I will certainly try to make it clear in my work that he is opposed to the tradition.

April 23, 2005:
It's interesting how different my experiences at schools are.

Princeton, like Dartmouth, was one of my favorite Ivies before I began this project. I scheduled it for my last stop purposely. I figured if it went well, it would be a great way to end the book; and if it sucked, well, I may not have the heart to go on.

Fortunately, it is off to a great start. My first day on campus, the Daily Princetonian published an article about the project. I have to admit that in my travels I've seen good articles and less good ones, but the Prince's is one of the best. Perhaps as a result, I've already received offers for places to live, events to see, and parties to attend.

I didn't make it to the Ben Folds concert or to Paul Rusesabagina's talk, but I will make it to a tradition on campus known as Newman's Day. As one student explained it to me, the legend is that Paul Newman once said in commencement speech at Princeton, "Twenty-four beers in a case, twenty-four hours in a day. Coincidence? I think not." Tomorrow is the celebration of that comment.

< Harvard University
March 20 - April 20

< Columbia University
February 25 - March 20

< University of Pennsylvania
January 17 - February 17

< Yale University
November 15 - December 19

< Dartmouth College
October 20 - November 15

< Brown University
September 20 - October 20

< Cornell University
August 24 - September 20