Alumna

I considered not writing in my blog for a couple weeks solely for the ironic contrast to my last post, but I don't think my love of irony is enough to make me want to take a hiatus from writing in here. So here I am :-)

I went in to my old university yesterday to get my Alumni Card. It was the first time it really hit me that I have graduated and no longer have a purpose when I come to the university campus. Despite feeling a little lost, I was excited to get my Alumni Card. It was a neat next step in my life and the whole bus ride I was looking forward seeing the Card for the first time.

I sat there in the office waiting in anticipation. What would the card look like? Would they take my picture for it? Would it have a neat holographic security device? Could I use it to get into clubs? High security government buildings? Speakeasies!

The secretary turns around. I can see that she has the card. It's in her hand. Partially hidden by her sleave. Oh why won't she move her sleave! She walks towards me. Smiles and hands over...the card.

I'm speachless...

It's...just...so...

...ordinary. It's honestly nothing special at all. The world didn't change. There were no trumpets. No falling confetti. Not even my picture is on it. For goodness sake, I have to write my own name on it! This isn't how an alumna should be treated! Forced to use her own hand to validate such a prestigious card! Outrageous!

I'm just about to say something. Voice my indignation. Then she hands me a piece of paper. A list. A list of all the discounts I will get. The anger subsides and I am flooded with all the memories of free things given to student. Oh those were the days! What a stupid card to make me no longer eligible for such fantastic free things, like highlighters and fridge magnets! Now I have to settle for 5% off at hotels I can't afford to stay in anyway. All of a sudden a Masters is looking like pretty good idea...