So, here I was walking down Linden Lane about two weeks ago (above). I was headed towards the bus stop to go back to Newton campus, coming from the fourth floor of Lyons Hall, where I had been practicing piano skillz for my music theory class (and just for fun - consequently, there are 10 or 11 practice rooms in Lyons and some elsewhere around campus with pianos in them that are almost always available, if you want to play).
Anyway, I was walking back, listening to my iPod, when I happened to run into my Perspectives professor (Perspectives is a core curriculum course that combines two semesters of theology and two semesters of philosophy into one year-long course, gets rid of core requirements and is one of the most interesting - albeit most difficult - classes I am taking and that I have heard about). We talked for a little bit, which struck me as awesome, considering the size of the school and the number of things she probably had to get done (we have a pretty intimate class, 21 kids, though my largest lecture is Gen Chem and is only 51). When we were leaving, she said, "You know, you shouldn't have both of those ear buds in when you're walking around; it makes it seems like you're trying to avoid interaction" (which, as you may have guessed from my posts, I generally don't do - I am pretty outgoing). So, I tested this theory, and low and behold, in the past two weeks there has been a noticeably different connection with people around me when I wear one, none or both ear buds. Even between strangers, get a head nod or smile with at least one ear open, but when I have both in, I get the *glance/avoid gaze* type deal. So there are two lessons: most people here are friendly enough to make a connection while walking by a complete stranger, and when in public, try not to wear both earbuds and it will open you up a little.
Hooray extracurricular lessons! Thanks to my professor for the insight, and please come back to see another update within a week!
BBFN, YFN Joe! (see last post)
