Jennifer Lloyd

I went out shopping and accidentally wandered into the aisle dreaded by all students. That would be (dun, dun, DUN) the school-supplies aisle.

Oh, the binders! Oh, the Wite-Out! Oh, the No. 2 pencils!

Why, oh why, did I sign up for graduate school in the first place? All the good school supplies (and by that I mean the scented markers) are socially off-limits for my age group, anyway.

I know, all you youngsters heading off to your freshman year at college (maybe even the sophomores) still are euphoric over the possibilities.

Some of those important life questions are probably floating through your mind right now ..... Should you take Judo or bowling as your elective? (Concentrate and ask again.) If you fall asleep during class but don't drool on yourself, will anyone notice? (You may rely on it.) Will your chemistry TA be hot this year? (Signs point to yes.) Will you FINALLY lose your virginity? (Outlook not so good.)
But, my college-T-shirt-wearing friend, your day will come.

That's the day you realize dorm food is a form of chemical warfare. The communal bathroom is a community to which you'd rather not belong. And your roommate smells like socks; maybe he or she even smells like your socks, you know, the ones that were stolen from the laundry room. ALWAYS WRITE YOUR NAME ON YOUR SOCKS!

Oh, yes, the college-life honeymoon will end, but the homework and research and finals will not. And the final touch: You've a decent chance of racking up a pile of debt and landing back at home with Mom and Dad after college, anyway.

The only thing that can cheer you and me up right now is a pack of scented markers.

Jennifer Lloyd | 210SA