I arrive at the cafeteria, somewhat rumpled, 10 minutes before it closes. My roommate, who is waiting for me at a table against the wall, informs me that my over-sized white dress shirt and jeans make me look like a founding father. I guess wearing my hair in a bun didn’t really help that effect, but I don’t mind.
As I set my elbow down, I feel the uneven shake of the table wobbling the dishes and almost spilling a cup of syrup. The smell of coffee, waffles, and eggs lingers in the air. I watch people swiftly walk by, hurrying to catch the next morning class. Some dress sharply, with combed hair and pressed jeans, up and ready for the day, while others roll out of bed still in their pajamas.
In the sleepy bustle of the cafeteria, I’m surrounded by a perpetual battle of sounds – the steady hum of the dishwasher, embellished with the screech of chairs, the clink of silverware, and shouts from the kitchen staff. White florescent lights shine far too brightly for this early in the morning, reflecting off the immaculate green tiles.
Across the table from me, a girl with tousled blond hair and heavy eyes, smudged with eyeliner traces of the night before, sips her coffee in silence. Red high-tops bring a pop of color to her outfit of a soft, gray over-sized t-shirt and jeans. Every morning, somehow, we always pick this same table against the wall, so we can people-watch, she says. Even half asleep, she still manages to make an almost inappropriate joke that sets me laughing like nothing else. I’ve never regretted moving into the quad with her and our other two roommates.
Among the sluggishness of the early morning, a rush of excitement and hope brings a spring to our steps as we look forward to our various plans for the weekend. Nothing quite wakes up a student like the sunny promise of a Friday. How do you like to kick off your weekend?
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Sophia! This is an amazing observation. I love the title, “Red High Tops” is such a good name for this story. I like how you focused on your roommate and I bet she would love this story. I also like how it told a good description of you guys’ relationship, at least it seems like it does. I think you did an awesome job of describing the sounds of the kitchen.
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Sophia, this explains the caf really well! The little details you included brought the image to life. Your description of Leanna shows how well you know her. I’m glad you were able to come up with some really great things to say in such a short time. Way to go!
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Sophia, I enjoyed that in your observation story, you included the things that you did. I wasn’t really focusing too much on what I did other than what I felt sitting on the couch in the student center. Your observation story gives me a taste of what it is like to live at the school. I did not know that some of the students walked across the campus to the cafeteria in their pajamas. I love how campus is comfortable enough for you all to do that. I loved your story and enjoyed reading it.
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I agree with your roommate, people watching is fun! I love how you described the cafeteria in this article and when she said you looked like a founding father was funny. I like to kick off my weekend with a good day Friday and end the weekend with family or friends! Always family if I am able to go home!!
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Sophia, this describes the cafeteria so well! It especially rings true in the morning, when you’re half awake. Your description is amazing and relatable. It was really funny how you described your friend and your guys’ feeling and attitude toward mornings in the cafeteria. Great story!
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