A Study Alcove

In the upper floor of a university hall, adjacent to a major stairwell, lies a small collection of seats and tables. This is an area that is perfect for a moments rest between classes, a short period of study, or a small gathering of students to meet and partake in a noon meal. The following notes taken in regard to the social interactions within this area encompass a week’s worth of time. Notes were taken during multiple visits of around one to two hours in duration throughout the weeks, as opposed to just one sitting. As such, these notes will only contain points of interest as opposed to overly descriptive account of one event.

A single student, who we will refer to as Mika, sits upon one of the many rectangular cushioned seats. His back is against the wall and his eyes are closed. He is napping in public, his unattended in open view. Mika stays for just under thirty minutes before leaving.

Some time later, it is around midday. A handful of students arrive, connect some of the smaller tables scattered about into a single larger table, and sit down for a noon meal.  Having just climbed one set of stairs, many of the students hold labored breathes, not used to physical exertion, and possessing bodies unaccustomed to physical activity. Most have brought large quantities of fast food from local venues, and speak to one another with mouths full of high fat snack food. I am able to overhear conversation amongst the group, and they appear to be reminiscing over experiences in organizations that they were once a part of. One individual makes a point to state, between mouthfuls of food, that she enjoyed a particular organization as its activities kept her in shape. This would appear to not be the case anymore, considering her current body composition.  After finishing their meals, the group disperses to their next classes.

Later, a few hours past noon, another group of individuals arrive in a staggered fashion. A young brunette sits down at the table conglomerate formed by the previous group. This young woman will be referred to as Serena throughout the course of my notes. She has chosen to sit as far away from my location in the area as possible, presumably as she does not wish to socialize. She immediately pulls out a laptop, a textbook and notebook, puts on her headphones, and begins to study. A few minutes pass before two more individuals arrive, and sit across from her. Looking up from her studies, she brandishes a large smile and is swiftly pulled into an engaging conversation. They are sitting too far away for me to make out what they are saying.

Some time later, a young Hispanic man walks by. Seeing Serena, he promptly interjects himself into her conversation with the two individuals across from her. It’s important to note that this young man is speaking in fluent Spanish. As such, the two individuals across from Serena are unable to continue their conversation and take up a stern silence across the table. Serena and the young man appear to be previously acquainted.  They leave within a few minutes of their conversation beginning, shortly followed by the two individuals who sat across from Serena.