The Scarlet Letter: G

Graduated.

Done.

Finite!

These words remind me of the loneliness that is being part of the Alumni. Being an Alumnus is so much different than being a student. You get your perks, of course: Alcohol on campus at the CUI Alumni Functions, rubbing elbows with people who wish they were back in college just like you, & the occasional free bumper sticker or license plate cover. Not to mention the oh-so coveted personalized brick in from of the Grimm Student Union.

However, Alumninity is just another step further from the good ole' days when staying up late & hanging out with friends wasn't called a "Youth Lock-In". Alumninity is an honor!

But I want to be a plain old student again. I want to sleep in the same room with my best friend, staying up late lying in our beds talking about boys. I want to complain about not having a "real kitchen" & experiment with Snickers Pancakes again! I want to live across the way & above my best friends. The same best friends who I've already lost contact with.

Yes, the Scarlet Letter "G" shuns me as the non-CUIte, the outcast who lives thousands of miles away. I'm the one who people forget about when birthday cards come around, the one who gets the last invitation to weddings & CUI gossip, & the one who can only respond via facebook, e-mail, or the occasional text message. Don't forget about me, CUI! What happens when I have a crisis or need someone to talk to? You all were there last year. Where have you gone now?

It's all because the letter "G" was sewn onto my graduation cap.

I understand it's difficult to maintain the same friendships as before. No face time. No Starbucks or Donut Star at 2am to work things out together. However, when did Society decide we needed these things to maintain a solid friendship? Distance should not control the status of relationship!!

When you achieve the dreaded & sought after letter "G" in May, you will understand my dilemna & hopefully your heart won't break like mine.

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