by Lime Red Tetrahedron

Created on: December 11, 2008

Our outlooks on life are mostly obscured from ourselves. It is only through self reflection that our true nature is revealed. My story is one of these discoveries that shake the world before us, truly my first look at the world in a new way, and through another's eyes.

I remember back when me and my buddies were eating lunch in the cafeteria. We were enjoying our lunch, when one of my friends ran to me and asked: "Why do we eat?" I said to him "because we are hungry." I don't know what I expected to hear in return, but I was surprised at his response: "you are wrong. We eat because the food is there." I never looked at the world the same way again. That was the way he introduced me to a new paradigm.

This was an important moment for me, I realize as I reflect today.

I remember that same friend, two years ago. I was sitting at a bus stop, sipping my coffee, when he approached me. I immidiately recognized him, and why not? I would not be the same person if he had not interfered. That is why I am grateful. To what, I do not know. All I can say is that he helped me somehow.

Another interesting story is when my friend was hit by a car on his way into the cafeteria. He survived, but his arm was broken. He would sit in the cafeteria, then, for the entire day, finishing homework and talking to his friends. He soon became a pivotal person in the student hierarchy. Like a wise sage he would direct the activities of the cafeteria, the only place where students truly felt free. Where he truly felt cared for. Where he truly felt loved. Students need distractions, and the cafeteria provides. Cafeterias can even provide beneficial, enriching food along with the enriching experiences.

Students are forever in need of an environment for learning. Learning can take place in the classroom, but more than anywhere else, learning takes place in the self. A student must ultimately motivate themself to succeed. Through friendly interactions, such motivation can occur. A nourishing break for mental and physical enlightenment must be present.

Sadly, the enriching environment of the cafeteria is slowly being destroyed. School boards across the country are no longer advocating cafeterias. This is a shame. Note that the stories that I told were completely fictional. The cafeteria is one of the main locations in a student's life where socialization can occur. I truly hope that we live to see the return of the age of the cafeteria.

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