Ali, Shy, and Shaniqua

I have eaten at Einstein Bros Bagels each morning this semester. While I used to cringe in angst after spending five dollars on a bagel, I ultimately came to accept the idea that money is just a number on a piece of paper that is completely replaceable. But I didn’t come to this consensus on my own. In fact, each time I ordered my regular egg and sausage bagel, I began to realize that I wasn’t there just because the bagels were good, but also because the cashiers and other employees were so fun to be around. I can honestly say that I would spend those five dollars each day to simply interact with the employees at Einstein Bros Bagels. Each woman was so carefree and took orders with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. Not only did they know me by name, but they knew my class schedule, and would have my bagel made before I had even ordered it. It was obvious through their actions and our open conversations that they truly cared for me. I am going to miss Ali, Shy, and Shaniqua this summer, but it will be very exciting to catch up with them a few months down the road.

Are You Phony or Real?

At SMU, I have found it difficult to know when members of our community are being genuine or fake in their interactions with others. I feel that people put on various "masks"to adjust to certain situations and act differently around specific people. College students care a lot about what other students think of them. With that being said, the company we surround ourselves with is obviously going to be very important. In fact, I recently learned in my Theatre class that people commonly evaluate each other based on who they associate themselves with. So let me ask you this: Are we shorter with those who bring embarrassment to our reputation – and genuine towards those whom we look up to? Or all we always fake to fulfill our exterior motive of a desirable reputation?