I’ve got a friend back home who is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met.

Every once in a while, this kid will call me with an epic story about how his professors screwed him over, about how Microsoft screwed him over or about how the government screwed the country over.

But every time he shares something that happened to him, I know to take the details with a grain of salt.

If, for example, he tells me he was on the phone with Microsoft for three hours, I know it was probably closer to 90 minutes.

I also know the next time I hear this story, it will have been a four-hour wait.

My friend couldn’t make it 22 years without stretching the truth; it’s almost impossible to last 100 years without a few tall tales.

The University has collected a myriad of myths and legends since classes started in 1914. This month’s In Focus is looking at what they are, whether they are true and how they began.

Being myths, information was scarce at times. So while some myths are busted, some are not. And even those that are busted will probably continue as though fact.

There’s nothing I can do about that, and to be honest, there’s nothing I want to do about that.

The myths surrounding campus are just the less-certain, lesser-known pieces of the University’s history. And as the centennial year closes, it’s important to realize that the legends add just as much flavor to the University as the facts do.

Because mostly, they’re fun

stories. And when your friends share the myths rampant at their own schools, you’ll be able to tell them about the seal or how “Ay Ziggy Zoomba” became the unofficial fight song.

Just know your University, both the facts and the fiction. And when you’re finished here, if nothing else, take the stories with you.