you can’t blend in with bright red sneakers
I made myself a latte in the Starbucks-style - in other words, too much milk steamed far too long. This type of drink reminds me of those vibrant high school years when I frequented the Barnes & Noble in order to grab some occasional Frappucino or mocha. Those vibrant years are carrying on through today, something I am ambivalently thankful for.
The semester classes are done and exams are in full swing. I allow myself periodic sentimental segments to pause and reflect, taking my recent history in a new perspective. My tactic of novel reading is to trailblaze from cover to cover then move onto new territory; however, I forget so much of the content using that method. By stopping, right now, and pausing … and then thinking of the newly acquired past of the semester, I may see something I hadn’t previously spotted, may give birth to an unexpected epiphany.
Wednesday afternoon, I went to speak with Dr. Kraige, possibly one of the most distinguished professors I have come in contact with at Virginia Tech. I was in his Dynamics course one year ago and after that final exam, I met him in his office to introduce myself. I hadn’t the opportunity to do so before then due to an extremely stressful semester’s load, so our first personal meeting took place a week after the last class.
But he already knew who I was. He told me my grade without looking at the records - roundable to triple digits without as much as a nudge. I was ever so impressed by his holistic acumen and class presentation; talking to him on an interpersonal level was equally inspiring. Before I left and shook his hand, he offered to write me any letters of recommendation I needed in the future.
Wednesday afternoon, I went to speak with Dr. Kraige to get a letter of recommendation for my graduate application. He knew who I was and we had a great catching up conversation, his formalities of chatting showing their signs. He had aged a year and so had I - was my aging more noticeable than his? If anything, I was just as childish with awe being around this tier of intellect than I was on the first occasion.
It is difficult to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Does everyone think the way I think? Do all other thoughts get base analysis with surface-level attention to detail? Why don’t I find sitcoms funny like many people? Do people see things happen once or can they mentally recreate a scene as well as the next person?
Certainly, the most transparent look someone can have is their complexion when staring - the moment when all guards of social norms are let down and the interior self firmly takes a hold of facial expression. Ironically enough, it seems that many people stare in the same fashion, muscles relaxed and mouth slightly ajar. However, those who differ from this baseline are obvious and their dispositions are readable like a Dr. Seuss book.
It’s that time of the semester for the reminiscence. I encourage you to do the same thing.
December 9th, 2006 at 11:44 am
It’s a small world — I shared an apartment with his daughter Stephanie my second year at UVa! I think I’ve met him before.
December 10th, 2006 at 6:05 pm
I had a dream with you in it the other night. I don’t remember what you were doing but I know you had your hair in one of those cute faux-hawks and you were wearing a scarf …
and only a scarf.
Just kidding.
About the nudity. Not about the dream.
December 11th, 2006 at 11:56 am
Kellan - I can imagine what it was like having Dr. Kraige move in his daughter. He could turn an exciting endeavor like moving-in into an awkwardly formal occasion. But, still exciting.
Melanie - Next time I see you, I will cover my entire body in scarves.