Without the Character

I wrote this a couple of months ago. My feelings haven't really changed, and I think I'm ready to express them now.

I had the privilege of exploring some of the campus today (funny how I thought I would have explored all of the campus by the end of my freshman year), though it was spurred on by a sociology assignment. I need to do things without having to be forced to. This is the problem I'm finding with college. I only do what I'm told, by necessity of being told to do nearly more than I can handle. I have no time to actually do what I want to do. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet, though I can tell (write) you it is a tad annoying.

I like the photography lounge. It has personality, character, and...comfort. There's stuff (though nothing inappropriate) all over the walls (contained on the bulletin boards). The couch's don't match, but I had to fight myself to not sit down on them. They looked super comfortable. There was a coffee maker on a table off to the side. Students' work was up on display, relevant newspaper articles ready to read, and small jokes were dabbed about. Even I, a music major, felt comfortable just standing in the empty lounge (today is Sunday).

I like the new music building for the most part. There is one thing I miss terribly though. The old lounge. It too had character. And it was comfortable. The new one has only marble benches (without cushion), bulletin boards with nothing on them except for rehearsal schedules, and a bar with plastic stools on which you can work on your computer. I understand the meaning and the concept. I just don't agree with it I think. Maintaining the professionalism of the department and spurring students on to practice is good, but what about when I need a break? If music is still regarded as an art (and I most certainly regard it as one), then shouldn't spontaneity and creativity be fueling the atmosphere? White walls and marble benches, though looking crisp and clean, make me want to leave. Maybe it's on purpose. That's fine I suppose, and I'll respect the wishes of the department. I do understand that this space will be more public than the last one, with the concert hall being just around the corner.

Maybe it just hasn't been broken in yet.

Still, I'm a student. And I like to find ways to look like a hobo I guess; that's what I'm told anyway.