A simple incident happened to me recently that inspired me to write. It’s rather a silly incident, but to me it symbolizes the University as a whole.

While walking to the ride board in the student center, a lady behind the desk near me asked if I could answer an “aerobics question of the day” for a free coupon. Being the penny pincher I am, I gladly answered her question and won a coupon for 30 percent off any fruit juice in the Blackhawk Cafeteria. What great news—a discounted 50 cent drink!

After grabbing a chicken patty and a lemonade, I proceeded to the checkout line. The cashier brought my coupon to her boss, who suddenly informed me that lemonade is not a fruit juice. I know for a fact it is, because it’s the only fruit mom could ever get me to eat. Anyway, the lady argued across the room with me for a couple minutes before I finally went away silently.

For a stupid 50 cents, this is a silly incident, but it is so typical to me. Already in my freshman career I’ve faced over fifty red-tape university incidents. Mom never told me about that!

The fallacy here is that everyone just accepts this as a part of what a university is. In fact, I can hear some of you thinking, “It doesn’t get any better after college, kid.” Let me tell you wise ones out there that a university is made up of individuals who can make a difference. That lady in the Blackhawk cafeteria didn’t have to hassle me—neither do professors, students and administrators. They are responsible for their own actions.

We’re all trying to make our lives pleasant; otherwise we wouldn’t be here. Next time you’re about to get caught up hassling a person, put yourself in their shoes. You may be there someday.

Jean Nesteroff

freshman