University of Misery

I had intended to post this right after graduation, then in the fall, etc. but as I made my way into the post-grad world, I let this “reveal” fall to the wayside. Now, exactly a year after finishing college, I am excited to present my blog, which I hope to share future writing on, and to kick things off with the story of how a comedy Twitter account I thought up one day made its way to notoriety on my campus and beyond.

My college experience was one that was anything but ordinary. During college, you learn quickly that things have a tendency to not go as planned.

Between unexpectedly moving multiple times, ending up $4000 debt to a sorority, my parents moving 1800 and 9000 miles apart, respectively, and too many more events to include in a blog post, many of which have brought lasting trauma, it is safe to say that I managed to fit plenty of adventures and experiences in four short years.

Out of all these experiences, one of the most unique and defining experiences was one that no one even knew was me.

Around February 2019, I was inspired to create a college-themed podcast, and University of Misery was born.

While I researched how to produce a podcast, I created a Twitter and Instagram with the handles I wanted. The goal was initially to make people laugh, something I’ve always enjoyed. Using humor is a great way to connect with others. I wanted it to be a fresh take on college humor that let me use my skills in writing and content creation. What I didn’t expect was so many people to start liking it before I ever recorded a single word.

With issues such as MUs overall handling of the pandemic, the Thomas Jefferson statue, and more, it was hard to ignore the fact that students were concerned. The account evolved from just funny tweets to some seriousness built in. It reflected a lot who I am: hardworking and intelligent, but not afraid to have fun and express myself. I’ve never been afraid to speak up (but you probably already knew that).

My account became a space to uplift the voices of others. Students confided in me with concerns and questions and even just to talk and share their feelings. All without even knowing my name.

People that didn’t like me personally as a sassy journalism major best known for calling out her former sorority, enjoyed me when I was behind the anonymous guise. And that gave me new freedom to be heard.

University of Misery grew from being featured locally in the Maneater and The Columbia Daily Tribute to making its way into national news outlets such as Buzzfeed, The New York Times and USA Today. I even did an anonymous interview with Reuters in which they disguised my voice. One time in PR class over Zoom, my professor showed University of Misery tweets to the class as a discussion topic.

Growing University of Misery from a small idea I had while sitting in Ellis Library to over 9,000 followers was unexpected, but an experience I am ultimately indescribably thankful for. I thank every single person who kept up with this journey, even without knowing who I was.

While Mizzou wouldn’t dare ever mention the account, there were several times a tweet got enough attention for Mizzou to address a situation publicly.

I learned firsthand that you can never underestimate the power of a tweet, and of social media as a whole. It is the responsibility of anyone with a platform to demand accountability and transparency from institutions that are intended to serve the public, and to help the quietest voices to be uplifted and magnified until they are heard.

My time as the University of Misery came to a close when I graduated, but my hope is for the account to live on in the same way that it started: by the students, for the students. 

As for me, I hope that University of Misery was just the beginning of creating content and projects that connect and inspire others. Even through all the things in college that hurt me, devastated me, and made me feel broken, I am proud of myself for pushing through and staying confident in my abilities. 

Thank you endlessly to everyone who helped along the way, and of course to anyone who kept my secret safe.

XOXO,

MP

(previously University of Misery)