The first horse out of the gate? A few silly letters? Sure, but at uOttawa, we're all Gee-Gee's. For the purposes of this article let's focus on what other school's think of (or fear). The student athlete experience at the University of Ottawa is something that not only offers us pride in the school, but something who's name requires this article to be written. A Gee-Gee is a student athlete who represents the University of Ottawa in their chosen sport. The name "Gee-Gee" comes from the University's team name, the Gee-Gees, which is short for "Gargonnees," the French translation of "Horsemen." And before you ask, no, this doesn't mean that all Gee-Gees have to compete on horseback (although that would be pretty cool). Being a Gee-Gee is no easy feat. It requires balancing the demanding coursework of a university education with the dedication and commitment needed to excel in your sport.

But the rewards are many. As a Gee-Gee, you'll have the opportunity to compete against other universities and colleges from across the country, representing the University of Ottawa and contributing to its athletic success. Plus, you'll have a built-in excuse for all those missed classes – "Sorry, I had a game!"But being a Gee-Gee isn't just about sports and competition. It's also about being part of a community. As a Gee-Gee, you'll have the opportunity to connect with other student athletes, as well as with the wider University of Ottawa community. You'll be able to represent the University and contribute to its athletic success, while also gaining valuable life skills and experiences. And let's not forget, being a Gee-Gee makes for a great ice breaker at parties. "Hey, what's your major?" "I'm a Gee-Gee." Boom, instant conversation starter.

So if you're a first-year student at the University of Ottawa and you're looking for a unique and rewarding experience, consider joining one of the University's varsity teams and becoming a Gee-Gee. It's a challenging and rewarding journey, but one that offers many opportunities and experiences along the way. And who knows, you may even end up with a cool nickname like "Horseman" or "Gargonnees." Okay, maybe not those, but you get the idea.