Dear Editor,
The new column, “Who We Are,” is an intriguing bit. It seems like something those clever devils in Admissions would love. During spring fly-in weekends when prospective students come to visit and pick up a copy of the Record, their attention will be deliberately directed to the column. I did, however, feel a wee bit unsettled over last week’s column.
For those who missed the first edition of “Who We Are,” the column dealt with the fact that “the real social struggle (here) is to avoid becoming popular so you get a moment or two of peace.” As I sat reading this last Friday around noon over a cup of tea and a sandwich in the Reef while sitting all alone, all I could think to myself was, “Wait! Am I doing it wrong?” Perhaps it was because I was reading the New York Times Business Section and The Record over tea rather than “a cup of coffee and USA Today’s sports section” as the column prescribes.
I was befuddled. I’m an RA, a senator, have been involved in athletics, I’m likeable and genuine, have more contacts in my phone than some salespeople, and yet I was an anomaly, according to the article. I pondered it again over a lonesome Monday dinner and Wednesday lunch. I thought, thinked, thank, and thunk about it while bustling to classes and meetings.
It then occurred to me that I was thinking all wrong. Indeed, this is a friendly campus and what I felt was a lack of interaction from others was merely just me taking for granted the friendly culture of our campus. There are those who aren’t as chummy and cheery, and many aren’t welcoming of everyone. But in general if you wish to be welcomed here you shall be if you look in the right places.
Sincerely,
Andrew Hovel
SJU Sophomore