The countdown
Michael Halloran
Issue date: 12/7/06 Section: Columns
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I walked into the Hollenbeck computer lab the other day and it sounded like gun fire was going off. I almost dropped to the ground and called for a medic. Staples, scrap papers, number twos, and Adderal were flying across the room. I didn't know what the heck was going on. Then I remembered. We have one more week before exams, papers, and, most importantly, excuses are due. About this time last year, I spent a considerable amount of time planning a study schedule, waiting to initiate that schedule, and then carefully crafting excuses for my parents. I don't image I was the only person on campus that experienced this.
Once my bearings were realigned, I was able to trudge through the battlefield to an open computer near the restroom that is underused. Thankfully it's underused. I wouldn't be able to sit in the lab all night intensely writing a paper only to be interrupted by the kur-plops of nature and jet-like flushing system that defines Hollenbeck's sewage system. Anyone that has been there all night knows what I am talking about. I landed at the first computer only to discover that someone had locked it. I thoughtfully got up, assuming that they would be back shortly and moved to another computer where I was finally able to begin my work.
Only work didn't start right away. I first had to acclimate myself to the hostile environment. The printer sounded like a combine during harvest. It did bring me home a little, but harvest is over, so it didn't put me in a "work until I drop" mood. My focus had to shift. I people watched, Facebook stalked, away message read, and read Charlie Wiess's press conference transcripts for the week.
Two hours later, I was ready to start working. But I continued to day dream. It's Christmas time. I miss the days of home room moms bringing in cookies, making ornaments, and stringing popcorn on a string. College classes should be more like that. After class, we can watch American Gladiator, Nickelodeon Guts, Double Dare, or Scooby Doo. Class and responsibilities are too stressful this time of year. We all think they are.
Once my bearings were realigned, I was able to trudge through the battlefield to an open computer near the restroom that is underused. Thankfully it's underused. I wouldn't be able to sit in the lab all night intensely writing a paper only to be interrupted by the kur-plops of nature and jet-like flushing system that defines Hollenbeck's sewage system. Anyone that has been there all night knows what I am talking about. I landed at the first computer only to discover that someone had locked it. I thoughtfully got up, assuming that they would be back shortly and moved to another computer where I was finally able to begin my work.
Only work didn't start right away. I first had to acclimate myself to the hostile environment. The printer sounded like a combine during harvest. It did bring me home a little, but harvest is over, so it didn't put me in a "work until I drop" mood. My focus had to shift. I people watched, Facebook stalked, away message read, and read Charlie Wiess's press conference transcripts for the week.
Two hours later, I was ready to start working. But I continued to day dream. It's Christmas time. I miss the days of home room moms bringing in cookies, making ornaments, and stringing popcorn on a string. College classes should be more like that. After class, we can watch American Gladiator, Nickelodeon Guts, Double Dare, or Scooby Doo. Class and responsibilities are too stressful this time of year. We all think they are.
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