Real College

Abstract

The focus of Stone and Tippett's new book is the "real student," not the perfect, problem-free teenagers found on TV, in movies, or on university promotional brochures. As such, the authors attempt to connect with the mentality and communication style of the Millennial Generation by utilizing humor; short, concise, and straightforward prose; and excerpts from e-mail and instant messenger sessions.While the intended audience is college-bound students, family members and higher education staff and faculty can also learn much from the book. Family members will benefit not only from its information, but also can use it as a window into the issues their new college freshman will experience. Much of the information presented by Stone and Tippett is common knowledge for those in student services, but the writing style, as well as the nature of the issues selected, provides insight into the mindset of this generation.Real College: The Essential Guide to Student Life, follows four factious students as they attempt to navigate life, academics, and bureaucracy at a nameless, public four-year residential institution. The characters represent the more common students on a traditional university's campus. Macani, a female with a long-distance boyfriend, rooms with PJ, a student athlete who later acknowledges that she is a lesbian. Across the hall is Rollo, the stereotypical physics and chess nerd, living with Sweeney, the resident womanizer. Along the way, we are introduced to the full cast of supporting characters. Craig is Macani's high school sweetheart and a freshman at a different university. Sweeney's best friend is Duncan, a freshman at a different university. The relationship between Macani and Craig allows the authors the opportunity to discuss issues of long-distance relationships, identity issues, and sex. Stone and Tippett use the Sweeney-Duncan friendship to bring up issues of diversity, acceptance, and differing views of the world.The book is divided into nine chapters that reflect the authors' views on the divisions common in students' lives: Roommates, Social Life, Academics, Studying, Identity, Relationships, Sex, Parents, and Mental Health. These topics further represent Stone and Tippett's assertion that real students face challenges. The most powerful section of the book comes from the second paragraph of the introduction: