Thursday, March 18, 2004
Woodruff- The Dining Hall for Everyone
As part of our study of White Noise we were given a task to spend one hour in a place and submerse ourselves in the sensory data being presented to us. We were then asked to filter out what is relevant and what is not. Here is my interpretation of my experience:
The other day, I spent an hour sitting in Woodruff Dining Hall on West Campus. I know what you're thinking, "an hour in a dining hall? That's disgusting!" And yes, let me tell you, it is.
The food alone could cause an elderly woman to faint. Thankfully, I spent my hour in the penitentiary, err... dining hall on chicken nugget day. While some of the nuggets could be bounced across the room, others were causing chipped teeth. Sigh, this is campus food for you. Actually, it's not that bad. Plus, you can always resort to making a delicious waffle, or bowl of cereal. Hmm... the waffles. Made by those meant to eat it, the waffle maker is always there, warm and ready, and always smells fantastic. No matter what Woodruff is serving that day, you always come out smelling like a smorgasbord of fried and overcooked foods. This smell is distinct. You can go up to any member of West Campus and simply state, "I smell like Woodruff," and they will nod knowingly.
Cuisine is not the only horrific etinty being served up at Woody's. The relationships between those that eat together are often times so petty that it makes me sick. Everyone feels the need to keep up conversation when they are together, whether they have just met or have known each other for years. Most of these conversations are quite meaningless. The table of three boys (clearly freshman) sitting near the salad bar were discussing the pros and cons of AP (Advanced Placement) courses being weighted for their difficulty. Why is it that Tech students tend to overanalyze every situation? You are in college already, AP classes are a thing of the past! Then there was the couple off to the side, attempting to be discreet while they cuddled and peered into each others eyes. Yuck. They were definitely pre-first fight. Most people our age have a predetermined view of how life will be for them when they are finally in love. Many of them spend their lives attempting to mold all of their relationships into that ideal, when they should really be enjoying that person's company and letting their relationship blossom on its own. The two of them were attempting to plan out their week, as if everything they did needed to revolve around one another. Sitting over in the corner near the couple was an older male, attempting to study for a test. He maintained minimal intercourse with any one who passed, often ignoring everyone around him. He slowly chewed on his sandwich, attempting to cram for whatever exam he had that day. He seemed content to be alone, with the books or without. The hustle and bustle of the everyday dining experience did not faze him, even from his perch by the doors.
Most of the interactions between people in the dining hall were shallow, nothing of depth. Every conversation overheard was based on the weather, sports, overanalyzation, food, or some other mediocre topic. Nothing really held any relevance, which is the case with almost every dialogue between mulitple people. In fact, I cannot recall anything I heard that had any degree of substance to it. Possibly the only thing of relevance within the entire dining hall that had any significance are the nutrition facts posted above the courses, but even that is not important to some.
As part of our study of White Noise we were given a task to spend one hour in a place and submerse ourselves in the sensory data being presented to us. We were then asked to filter out what is relevant and what is not. Here is my interpretation of my experience:
The other day, I spent an hour sitting in Woodruff Dining Hall on West Campus. I know what you're thinking, "an hour in a dining hall? That's disgusting!" And yes, let me tell you, it is.
The food alone could cause an elderly woman to faint. Thankfully, I spent my hour in the penitentiary, err... dining hall on chicken nugget day. While some of the nuggets could be bounced across the room, others were causing chipped teeth. Sigh, this is campus food for you. Actually, it's not that bad. Plus, you can always resort to making a delicious waffle, or bowl of cereal. Hmm... the waffles. Made by those meant to eat it, the waffle maker is always there, warm and ready, and always smells fantastic. No matter what Woodruff is serving that day, you always come out smelling like a smorgasbord of fried and overcooked foods. This smell is distinct. You can go up to any member of West Campus and simply state, "I smell like Woodruff," and they will nod knowingly.
Cuisine is not the only horrific etinty being served up at Woody's. The relationships between those that eat together are often times so petty that it makes me sick. Everyone feels the need to keep up conversation when they are together, whether they have just met or have known each other for years. Most of these conversations are quite meaningless. The table of three boys (clearly freshman) sitting near the salad bar were discussing the pros and cons of AP (Advanced Placement) courses being weighted for their difficulty. Why is it that Tech students tend to overanalyze every situation? You are in college already, AP classes are a thing of the past! Then there was the couple off to the side, attempting to be discreet while they cuddled and peered into each others eyes. Yuck. They were definitely pre-first fight. Most people our age have a predetermined view of how life will be for them when they are finally in love. Many of them spend their lives attempting to mold all of their relationships into that ideal, when they should really be enjoying that person's company and letting their relationship blossom on its own. The two of them were attempting to plan out their week, as if everything they did needed to revolve around one another. Sitting over in the corner near the couple was an older male, attempting to study for a test. He maintained minimal intercourse with any one who passed, often ignoring everyone around him. He slowly chewed on his sandwich, attempting to cram for whatever exam he had that day. He seemed content to be alone, with the books or without. The hustle and bustle of the everyday dining experience did not faze him, even from his perch by the doors.
Most of the interactions between people in the dining hall were shallow, nothing of depth. Every conversation overheard was based on the weather, sports, overanalyzation, food, or some other mediocre topic. Nothing really held any relevance, which is the case with almost every dialogue between mulitple people. In fact, I cannot recall anything I heard that had any degree of substance to it. Possibly the only thing of relevance within the entire dining hall that had any significance are the nutrition facts posted above the courses, but even that is not important to some.
