Every day, millions of students across the country notice small quirks and idiosyncrasies about their lives in college; anything from the registration process to a night out at the bars can become fodder for endless jokes. One college student was able to create success out of hundreds of these universal experiences.
Aaron Karo, who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2001, has gained success and recognition by sharing his university experience with millions of other college students.
Originally an e-zine, Karo began writing "Ruminations on College Life" one sleepless Sunday night during his freshman year of college. Karo began writing down funny things that were happening to him at school and sending the e-mail to a small list of friends from high school.
"My friends thought that my e-mail was funny and began forwarding it to their new friends at their schools," said Karo. "After a few issues, a few hundred people were getting my e-mails, and I realized this could be something."
Melissa Brill, a junior psychology major, said she was introduced to "Ruminations" when a friend forwarded her the column.
"It was always funny to read about college stuff that applies to everybody. My favorite ones were the ones about spring break. Those were the best," she said.
With rants about anything from party etiquette to details of dorm life, Karo's e-zine struck a chord with college students all over the country.
"I would go out and if something struck me as funny I would write it down on a napkin or a post-it," said Karo.
According to some students, the anecdotes are interesting to most college students because they represent a universally humorous side of the university experience.
"I loved the way no matter what school you went to, your experiences were all the same," said Andrew Operowsky, a senior communication major. "Karo talks about some of the funniest things I have seen at college, and I don't even go to school with him."
Brett Cohen, a sophomore business major, agrees.
"I like observational humor. I think a lot of the little things you notice about college (are) funny. I mean, where else do four guys all live in one room together for a full year?" he said.
As the popularity of "Ruminations on College Life" grew, so did its subscription list and the time Karo had to commit to the column. With over 11,000 subscribers worldwide, Karo created a Web site at http://www.aaronkaro.com to cope with the growing demand for his commentary on university life. Past issues are currently available at the site.
"There was a point where I wanted to stop because it was getting too big," he said.
During his senior year of college, Karo appealed to his readership for help in the last issue of his e-zine.
"In my last issue I wrote that I wanted to do a movie, a television show or a book based on 'Ruminations on College Life,' and asked my list if they knew anyone I can talk to," he said.
After receiving several e-mails from helpful students, a literary manager with Octane Entertainment contacted Karo and signed him to a contract.
After graduation, Karo was unsure of the continued success of his e-zine and went to work on Wall Street.
"I never thought that I would make a career out of my drunk ramblings," said Karo.
A few months after starting his new job, Karo received a call from his manager saying that editors at Simon & Schuster, Inc. loved his e-mails and wanted to publish them in the form of a book.
About six months later, Karo decided to pick up where he left off by beginning a new column entitled "Ruminations."
"Ruminations is about life after college," said Karo. "At my age, I am at a point where I am between no responsibility and total responsibility. My friends are all still trying to get laid but also trying not to get laid off."
Before the summer of 2002, Karo decided to leave his Wall Street job to pursue a career in entertainment. He began doing stand up comedy in New York City at "Stand Up New York," a prominent comedy club.
"You have to strike while the iron is hot, and I could not pass up the opportunity," he said.
In August 2002, the book version of "Ruminations on College Life" was released. The first printing of the book sold out, but a second printing is planned.
"I don't know if I would buy a whole book of ('Ruminations'), but I do enjoy reading them. Plus, when my friend sent them to me, it was on the Internet for free. If I can read them at a Web site, why should I pay for a book?" said Brill.
Despite all of his rants and ravings on college life and partying, Karo managed to graduate magna cum laude from the Wharton School of Business.
"I could have wrote about my school work more, but what is funnier; studying hard or playing hard?" said Karo.
