No matter what the teachers in high school say, they will never fully equip you with the knowledge and life advice you will need in college. That’s where I come in with my life advice you didn’t ask for.

Now, I don’t claim to be an expert. However, since the time I began classes at Murray State, I have realized many important things. Through this column, I will do my best to share my thoughts and advice on specific situations to better the campus community.

With so many topics to write about, I’d like to first start with not judging a book by its cover.

Although it may be cliche, there is so much truth behind the phrase. It may be easy to say; however, it is much harder to practice.

The first relevant example of this in pop culture is Miley Cyrus. Before you scoff and stop reading, hear me out.

Everyone has their own struggles, issues and coping mechanisms. For Miley Cyrus, it’s possible the strain of her career has taken a major toll on her personal relationships.

Some people might see her as a child star traveling down the path of Britney Spears, only to end up in rehab. On the other hand, others might embrace the new Miley, even if her Video Music Awards performance was less than classy. These are two points of the infinite spectrum, the perspectives in which humans view a particular situation.

But before calling Miley trashy or profanities not worth mentioning, realize as a woman in the industry, dressing this way on stage and dancing provocatively is common practice. Also consider the possibility of struggles in her career and personal relationships. Odds are, we all have experienced those breakups that make us a little crazy. Honestly, it is nothing new to seek attention in any way, shape or form. Miley just happens to be in the public spotlight as she tries to shed her old image of child star, to mega pop star and cry her way through her broken engagement to Liam Hemsworth.

Basically, through all this jibber jabber, I’m hopefully helping you to see the truth that lies beyond the image and first impressions.

We are all just people. Before you analyze someone’s behavior and deem it as unacceptable or throw a label on them, you should probably get to know that person a little better. I don’t mean stalk them on Facebook or Twitter; I mean have a legitimate conversation with them. It is true, you won’t click with everyone you meet, but before you judge a book by its cover, take a look at the summary.

Column by Hunter Harrell, Assistant Features Editor