Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 7, 1994 TAG: 9412070096
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JONATHAN HUNLEY
DATELINE: WILLIAMSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Some of these may seem elementary and commonsensical, but remember that's why I'm here. Like my parents have told me, "If you knew everything already, you wouldn't need to go to school, now would you?''
More importantly, these concepts are mostly those that I've learned outside of the classroom. (Don't worry, Mom and Dad. I do still go to class.).
First, I've found out that I can't stay up all night and feel good about learning. Not only do I frighten my fellow learners with my grisly, stressed-out appearance, but I don't understand what's going on. Not that I necessarily understand all of what's going on with a full eight hours of sleep, but you know what I mean.
In keeping with the theme of class, I've found out that I really don't know much about geology. Science has never exactly floated my boat in the past, but I figured I would try to change my attitude. Too bad, though. The only thing I've found out about rocks is that the professor probably thinks I have several of them in my head.
I've also come to the realization that there's some good eatin' at home in Roanoke. Those who don't believe me are invited to become part of the William and Mary meal plan. Home cooking has always been a staple at the Hunley estate, but I didn't understand its full value until I had been here awhile.
The cuisine is not atrocious - don't get me wrong - but if anyone came for the food, they picked the wrong school.
Even the few culinary delights present don't always come out the way you want them.
For example, in our cafeteria - the "caf'' to students, the "Dining Commons'' to tourists - we can make our own waffles. In fact, I have come to enjoy waffles a great deal this semester. However, one day I remember feeling particularly lousy (probably didn't get much sleep or got a geology paper back), and I decided that a fluffy, golden brown waffle would make it all better.
I poured the batter into the iron and set the timer. A few minutes later, I realized my great tactical error. I forgot the nonstick spray.
Now, I'm a simple man. I don't ask for much. Just a good waffle here and there. But like the Rolling Stones said, "You can't always get what you want.''
It took me the better part of 10 minutes to scrape the charred remains of my poor waffle out of the iron. And the sighs and annoyed looks from the cafeteria lady made me feel even more intelligent.
"Kids think they're so smart. Can't even make a waffle right,'' she probably thought. Don't think I didn't eat every last morsel of that waffle. It'll be a long time before I forget about nonstick spray again.
I'll never forget my roots, either. Ironically, I feel more Southern here than I do in Southwestern Virginia. This notion comes from the fact that people constantly make fun of my accent. I didn't even think I had one. I always envisioned myself as a city boy.
The most substantial lesson I've learned, though, is life isn't easy. "Just wait `til you're at college, then you'll see how good you had it,'' my mother has said countless times. I'll prove her wrong, I thought. I can handle it. Throw it all at me.
As much as I hate to admit it, she was right. And I love William and Mary.
But it's a serious place. Last week, I had a major assignment in every class. Two tests, a quiz and a big paper.
And all this work has to be crammed into the time when I'm not trying to figure out how to woo that special woman.
Oh well, what else can you expect from a college where it's even hard to make the waffles?
Jonathan Hunley, a former editorial assistant for this newspaper, is spending his first year as a college student. His column will appear occasionally.
by CNB