The countdown

By: Michael Halloran

Posted: 12/7/06

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.

But as I look around the room, I don't see many other people watching me, except for the kid across from me that keeps running his foot up my leg. It's alright though, he did it on accident. Most are diligently working, trying to get done with quality work so that the stress of exams doesn't bog down their holiday celebrations. We love the pressure, excitement, and opportunity of exams. HA! Well some may. It is an opportunity to use the information that we have spent the last 15 weeks studying, a culmination of our educational experience. I have come to face the fact that we will be tested more often and with harsher consequences in the real world, so a college exam won't kill me. We are able to share the pressure with our best friends and enjoy their company. We can also breathe a sigh of relief if we get a grade a little higher, even if it's only a point, than we expected. We work hard. We should recognize that and continue to enjoy the opportunity to learn that we have.

After nearly six hours of work, the first computer I sat at remains empty and locked. At least 8 people have sat there only to thoughtfully get up with the assumption that the computer would soon be used by the individual that locked it. The kid across the desk put to use the bathroom. But the printers didn't run out of paper or ink. The quirks make it bearable, the coffee makes it happen, but the friends make it possible.