College is a time for experimentation. Trying new things and learning about subjects you didn't know about. It's also a time when you experience the wider world, meeting people from around the country, comparing what's the same and different where you're from and where they're from, expanding your horizons. And sometimes it's a time to do things you've only heard about but don't really know what they mean. Because that always works out for the best.

Quote of the Week

At the American University library:

Girl #1: “I want to go big this weekend.”
Girl #2: “You want to go what?”
Girl #1: “I want to go big. You know how the boys are always saying ‘Go big or go home.’”
Girl #2: “Yeah ...”
Girl #1: “Well, I don't know what it means, but I want to do it. On Sunday.”

After the jump, modern religion, salad, and complicated nose equations.

Keep them coming! Send in yours to overheardindc (at) gmail (dot) com.

Photo by Flickr user rockcreek.

The first day of school is a stressful time. New people, new things to learn, new ways to either be cool or embarrass yourself. And the same is true for Back to School Night.

Back to School Night is, of course, the time when parents come to school to meet the teachers and try to show them that their kids were raised right, while the kids hope the parents don’t embarrass them in front of their peers and teachers. They always say “there are no stupid questions,” but it’s really not true. Sorry, kid.

Quote of the Week

At back to school night:

Teacher addressing parents and their kids: “OK parents, I need you to know that Paca Elementary believes in homework every night, Monday through Friday. We assign homework everyday of the week, including Friday, so if your child says 'I don't have any homework,' they are not telling you the truth.”

Parent raises hand: "Excuse me, I don't mean to hold your meeting up with my question, but when you say they have homework Monday through Friday, are you including the days in between?"

After the jump, horrific Metro injuries, culinary practices, and art critics.

There are no stupid Overheard submissions either, so send them in to overheardindc (at) gmail (dot) com.

Photo by Flickr user Dangerbird.

Ah, religion. We've all read about its role in public and private life and how fewer and fewer people are going to church these days. Ben Franklin said "Lighthouses are more helpful than churches." And in D.C., churches often cause a lot of debate about parking, "newcomers" versus older residents, and abandoned properties. And yet, despite all the distractions of our modern age, some young people in the city are still able to practice their faith, in their own way.

Quote of the Week

M Street in Georgetown late Saturday night:

Drunk guy #1: "Dude, is it Sunday yet?"
Drunk guy #2: "Uh, I think it's still Saturday."
Drunk guy #1: "Oh, good, cause I want to hook up with that hot girl but I feel bad having sex on the Sabbath."

After the jump, sweaty hipsters, miniature gourmets, and geographical issues.

Overheard only works if you hear good stuff and send it in. So keep your ears open and email the results to overheardindc (at) gmail (dot) com.

Photo by Flickr user Swaneeswan.

Remember that first week of college? Amid the excitement of all the new people, new classes, new books, a new life, was the hope. The hope that you were embarking on an exciting journey that would make you into someone brand new. The hope that as you left high school and your parents behind, you could finally become the person you always knew you were meant to be. The hope that this was a fresh start, and that any difficulties your teen years had presented you with were now erased from the record and the board was now wiped clean. The hope that all the things you wanted but could never seem to have, no matter how unlikely, might finally be within reach.

Quote of the Week

In Foggy Bottom:

Pudgy, baby-faced incoming freshman: "So... there are girls here who would really have sex with me?"

After the jump, final resting places, the prodigal son, and proud politics.

Our own hope here at Overheard is that you continue listening attentively and sending us what you hear at overheardindc (at) gmail (dot) com.

Photo by Flickr user christaki.