CAFETERIA REPRESENTS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO HAVE one’s meals. It, in itself, is an institution, a university “classic.” While the food, to be fair, may not always be exactly what the students want, the environment proves itself to be nothing short of inviting time and time again.
Mealtimes, more often than not, are extravagant affairs. For students at Andrews University, the process of purchasing food has become a science. The school’s cafeteria, recently renovated to a more modern motif, is designed in a way that presents different food choices at six separate venues. On any given trip to the cafeteria, students almost immediately slip into the habit of quickly examining each of the stations in order to assure a mealtime that nearly meets expectations. It is important to realize that, no matter the options, there will always be one choice that stands out above the rest. While that “best” choice may very well come down to a salad or a simple bowl of cereal, most are happy with the fact that they have food. After all, college students are notoriously in pursuit of any meal that is remotely free, including ones that aren’t “technically free,” but have already been paid for in advance. It’s a universal fact.
However, the beauty of the cafeteria is that it’s an experience. The adventure does not stop where the checkout lines begin. Depending on whether or not a student arrives alone or with a group, the entire experience can be very different. It’s understood that eating alone, no matter the occasion or reason, is not an option. I find it somewhat humorous to watch those who arrive at the cafeteria as a single. Understand that while they search for their ideal meal, they also are in pursuit of their ideal meal partner or, better yet, partners. (Rule of thumb: the more people who surround you at your table, the better.) Therefore, the single patron’s cafeteria “experience” becomes much more than just a chance to sit down and enjoy a meal. It becomes a quest.
Everyone frequenting the cafeteria knows you can’t truly enjoy a meal alone.
For those who arrive with a pal, or group, their mealtime becomes a simple “because-therefore” equation. Because the proverbial group planned ahead, they can avoid the awkwardness of eating alone, and therefore act as a beacon for those who may otherwise not have been as prepared.
The true nature of the cafeteria experience, it seems to me, reveals itself through the interactions, conversations, realizations, jokes, and events that take place at any given table. The things that are discussed at cafeteria tables are, to me, fascinating. I find it amazing that walking the length of the dining hall, you can potentially hear religious debates, television theories and commentary, school issues, and, a favorite of mine, the sharing of 20-page research paper woes. Mealtimes are a chance to slow down and realize that life is so much more than the time in between assignments. A meal can be better defined as a memory. As sad as this may sound, the ideal situation for any Friday afternoon is arriving at the cafeteria at lunch and not having reason to leave until after dinner.
To be honest, it’s easy to take the times we spend together at the cafeteria for granted. Any meal can become a time to learn, to grow, and to bond. Perhaps more so than an experience, the cafeteria is really an opportunity—an opportunity that should be seized whenever presented; an opportunity that will stay with you for a lifetime.
____________
Jarrod Lutz is a junior at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, where he is studying for a degree in English with a writing emphasis, a minor in communication, and certification in secondary education. This article was published March 18, 2010.
