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A funny thing happens to a
lot of people once they’ve been
away to college for a few
months; they start to appreciate
a lot of little things that maybe
didn’t seem that important
before leaving home — things
like paid bills, free food and
name-brand garbage bags. (I
found out the hard way why
the generic brand was such a
bargain.)
But one of the things I’ve
probably come to appreciate
the most is mail — any kind.
I’ve grown to like my junk
mail — at least there’s
something in the old P.0. Box.
This affection took a little time
to cultivate. It had just been a
reflex for me to toss anything
into the can that had
“occupant” or “you may have
just won ...” printed on the
front of it. But after two straight
weeks of an empty mailbox, I
began to look forward to those
mail-order catalogs and letters
from Joe Barton. At least it
looked like I was getting
something.
I’m probably overly self-
conscious about the matter, but
I always get this feeling that I
can walk into a post office
unnoticed. But then when I
open my box and it happens to
be empty, everyone in the
building seems to suddenly
notice me and my empty box.
That’s where the nonchalant
expression comes in. You
know the one. You stride off
very calmly with this “Oh, mail
— who needs mail?”
expression on your face.
I know — it’s paranoia gone
overboard, but who says you
have to be mature in college
anyway?
There’s some sort of sweet
revenge in slamming the empty
mailbox door and silently
saying to it, “Okay, I just won’t
check you for two weeks! ”
Maybe it’s some sort of
psychological power trip, but it
always makes me feel better,
anyway.
I now realize the truth in the
old cliche, “If you want to get
mail, you have to give it,” or
something like that — and I’ve
taken it to heart Why limit
yourself to just friends and
family?
You know you’re getting
older when you actually send
in for those free samples,
coupons and catalogs, and
perhaps even fill out the
questionnaire your
congressman sent But that’s
okay. At least Mom and Dad
can’t say I haven’t learned
SOMETHING at college.
Sherri Roberts is a sophomore
journalism major.
3:
IceChv.
Mr
This week’s
attention!! photo
series was taken
by Sharon
Neyland, a
sophomore
general studies
major.
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