Balian’s Worldview

How would I describe myself? Mature, wise, and somewhat more experienced than most people my age. That’s not just me saying that, though. I’ve been told many times by other people–some of them much older than I am–that I show maturity and wisdom far beyond my years. What gets me, though, is that they say it like I’m some sort of oddity. They then go on to say that most people my age are quite immature. When I hear that I think, “Are all 20-somethings supposed to be childish or something?” I live in a college town and quite close to campus, and it is a fact that most–okay, nearly all–of the college students my age or close to it have the maturity level of a high school sophomore coupled with less than basic intelligence. This is Alabama, though, and I have long said, “Just because you’re in college, it doesn’t mean you’re smart.” But is it so unusual for someone my age to be mature? I wouldn’t think so, but everyone around me comments on it like I’m some sort of natural oddity or something. Does not independence from parents and the burden of classes and responsibilities create maturity and a sense of obligation? I don’t know. I thought it did. But then again, just when I begin to think that maybe there is a thread of intelligence out there at the University of Alabama, I see throngs of wasted idiots screaming, “Roll tide! Roll Tide!” at the top of their lungs as if it’s the only thing that really matters and saying it will make you the coolest guy around. I even have a gay friend who’s about as mature as a 15-year-old cheerleader. I hope I didn’t offend any 15-year-old cheerleaders out there. Someone please tell me that maturity isn’t supposed to be something one gains around age 30 and that 20-somethings aren’t supposed to be all drunken idiots clinging to mommy or daddy to pay all the bills. If that’s true, the world just grew a bit more dim in my eyes.

Yesterday was a first for me. My first SSBM tournament after years of malpractice. What a foolish decision it seems upon hindsight, but it was actually pretty fun. The entry fee was $5–my last $5, mind you. I went in expecting to place at least 3rd place even though I hadn’t played the game in years. Of course I failed in the second round. I didn’t win a single game during the actual tournament, though I tried my best. I did win at least two games, though. I lost several others. I was greatly disappointed when even the computer beat me one time when I was practicing. At least I had fun playing with others. Now I realize I have a lot to do before I’m ready to try my hand at another tournament, which might not come around for a long time considering the school year is over and I’d have to wait until the next school year starts before another tournament is organized. That gives me plenty of time to practice and learn new techniques, which it seemed everyone else was already a master at. Well, at least I got to see how other, more advanced players handle the game. I was quite surprised. The main characters used were the ones who had big advantages over my character. So then, who did I use? Link. Who did almost everyone else use? Fox and Falco primarily. Capt. Falcon also saw a lot of use. What surprised me was that I spent the whole day getting my butt kicked by Fox and Falco only to be defeated in the tournament by Sheik and Ganondorf. I need a lot of practice. At least I wasn’t the only one to do so poorly. The guys from my old SSBM days from Paty Hall got “smashed”, too. Like me they were some of the top players when our group met regularly every week for our Smash Fest back when Burt was my RA. And like me they haven’t played in years, although one of them started playing again months ago. I didn’t start playing again until I heard about the second tournament this semester and started practicing the night before. If only I had someone to play against, I’d probably get better quickly. It’ll be a while before I’m up to par with those guys in the tournamet, though. At least it was fun. The organizer said SSBM players are social (unlike me usually), friendly, and always up for a fight. I made the comparison with pokemon, in which trainers are friendly and always up for a battle. I can’t wait for the next tournament, as long as I get some more experience and training in first. One more thing is certain: My thumb needs several days rest.