Campus Rambling

Random rambling...

Dazed & Confused

6:30...crack of dawn (to a slacker like me at least): Getting ready for class isn't that difficult. Over the course of two years I've managed to master the whole 'brushing my teeth, showering and putting decent clothes on' routine without even opening my eyes. The harsh light that hits the cornea when I walk out the door, is the real waker upper.

Class starts at 8am. What am I doing, waking up at this ungodly hour you ask? It's a tad early but if I start even around 7:15, I can guarantee you I'd be late (at least by 15/20 minutes if not more). From Eskaton to Banani is not an easy journey during rush hour. Teachers concerned for the well being of students don't believe in cutting slacks. I still remember being inexcusably late for an 8am class last year, due to torrential rain. There I was drenched like a crow and wasn't allowed to attend the class. Yes, I'm (supposedly) getting wiser and would rather wait for an hour watching the 'mamas' sweep the floors.

I'm doing BBA at a private university. Ok, for you inquisitive types, let's call it XYZ University. It's considered to be one of The A-grade private institutions and parents seem to be content with its standard. I did my A levels in 2004 and got admission in this university the same year for Fall semester.

Oops ! Oops ! Oops !

In class. Here comes Bashir. I've always wondered why this bearded guy in 'tupi' and 'punjabi' seems to be in constant bliss? I don't like happy (for no apparent reason) people this early in the day; maybe after 10am after I've had some coffee.

Is he always gleaming because he's convinced that heaven in afterlife has been confirmed for him, or because he wants to convince me that his way of life is way better than mine?

Class starts. The n-th Bollywood hit by Khamosh Besharmya deafens everyone. Some idiot obviously forgot to set his cell phone on silent mode.

1:30pm. Lunch with the gang. Sami, Rimi, Bunty, Bubbly and me party of five at Arushi. Food is moderately priced and since it's like a food court, we can have desi, Thai or Mexican. Bunty and Bubbly have been dating for a few months now. They seem to be carrying a private conversation and all I can make out is “Jaanu” and “Sweetu”. Let's focus on something else before I get nauseous. Since its Thursday, we've decided to hang out at Sheesha Lounge in the evening.

Bunty is picking up the tab for Bubbly as usual. Been there, done that. As a warm-blooded male who occasionally dates, I know the golden rule guys must always pay, for whatever girls do or buy while blessing us with their company. Other divine pleasures include, doing their term papers and assignments. Am I a sexist for even thinking that? Ok I admit I may be wrong. Rimi firmly refuses anyone willing to pay her bill. She also happens to get the highest grades in our group and spends more time studying than any of us. She probably believes in feminism -- a 'radical' idea that women are people too.

Mingling with people from the 'in crowd' can be expensive. Then there's the ever increasing cell phone bill. Fortunately I come from an upper-middle class family. With my allowance and the money I get for tutoring a student of 5th grade, I can make do. My parents feel our generation is enjoying a fancy ride. Both my parents come from big families. Resources were limited and they had to share everything with their multiple siblings things did get tight at times. Which is why my brother and I often get the 'value of a Taka' lecture.

I'm aware things can be quite different in other circles. Two of my cousins who go to Dhaka University usually hang out on campus. To them, you're not 'khet' because you don't hang out at Kozmo, Café Mango or don't shop at Jatra or Ecstasy. To them meandering around Bailey Road is still cool, lunch at Neerob (in Old Dhaka) is still fantastic and things bought from Palwel Market and Bangobazar are still great. I kind of like their easy going attitude. I remember watching the final match of the Football World Cup at TSC. It was no less fun than the quarter final I saw on big screen at a restaurant with my friends. Modhur Canteen looks promising too, though I never had a chance to try that out. But all 'compare and contrast' aside, it seems like we, students going to different public and private institutions have our own little worlds that exist in the same dimension and they don't necessarily collide.

10pm: Contemplating what to do. Maybe I'll study for the quiz next week. Or maybe I'll log on to MSN messenger and chat with my friends for a while. I should check out this 'Gorillaz' CD too. For you naysayers from older generations, yes our generation has mastered the art of multitasking. We can listen to music, chat online, respond to sms and work on our assignments (often) all at the same time.

So, maybe I should get started with my night routine or I can take my sweet old time. Don't have to get up at 6:30 on a Friday morning after all...

[ All views shared in the write up is strictly personal. Anyone offended in any way by this article should just take it easy ]

Unquotable Quotes on Education

Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.
Oscar Wilde (1856-1900)

A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education he may steal the whole railroad.
Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) American president

Men are born ignorant, not stupid; they are made stupid by education.
Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) English philosopher, mathematician and writer.

-Sent by Zamir

Tease your brain
( if you have any !?!)

What is Einstein’s famous theory?

1) M = ec²

2) C = me²

3) B = wmd²

4) L = sc³

5) E = mc²

6) P = mny²

7) D = 007²

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