Education and Eats: The Summer of BBQ

Journal of College Admission, Summer 2007 by Riggs, Ryan

A bit Forrest Gump, my trip revealed that different colleges were like different barbecue restaurants. Large or small, tangy or spicy, beef or pork, mustard or vinegar, sweet or unsweet-these colleges had it all in varying combinations. The wonderful thing about searching for the "right fit " college is that we have a large menu that has something for everyone. Visiting various schools is one of the most important trips a high school student will take. He or she should face the task with an open mind and enjoy the differences among the colleges. And, of course, eat some good food along the way.

Next summer: New York delis? Chicago pizzerias? California vineyards might get me m trouble... but the possibilities are endless.

RYAN RIGGS is assistant director of college counseling at Episcopal High School in Jacksonville, Florida. Growing up in Memphis, his favorite barbecue was from Interstate BBQ. He attended the University of Virginia, and has also lived in Richmond, where he often had Smoky Pig BBQ. His current favorites are Jenkins BBQ and Mojo's.