Dear passersby at UVA
Can you not push me off the sidewalk?
Dear Person walking by,
Why do you find it so hard to move over when I walk by? Maybe it is my sense of entitlement, but I would rather not have to step off the sidewalk just so you can walk in the middle of the way.
This does not bother me as much as your dead eyes that focus on the road ahead of you. What are you thinking about? Why doesn’t the nice weather make you smile?
I wish you would look up from your cell phone to see that a fellow classmate is smiling at you. Yes, I guess it might be creepy since I don’t know you, but I want you to know things are OK.
No one really can warn us of how hard UVA is, and no one really talks about it. Is that why you look glum? I hope you know you are not alone.
I have found that most UVA students are ambitious and super busy with crazy class loads and so many extracurricular clubs, it would cause a normal person to have panic attack.
You are doing a great job. Nothing here at UVA is really that easy. From readings, to lengthy papers, to date functions, to community service, to just trying to relax and feel like a person, it can be hard to realize that you are part of a larger community. I am not blaming you because I am at fault too, but I want you to know that there are people that care, even if they are strangers.
It is so nice to be acknowledged, and yes it is probably entitlement, but I like feeling a sense of camaraderie. I may get upset about your sidewalk hogging, but I do genuinely care about you.
I hope you have a good day.
Sincerely,
Sarah