Caleb Davis

Practicum Blog Day 2

R. Andrew Brown
UWRT 1103-024
2/12/2015 Start 12:42
I head to the the Student Union piano room lounge right after a lovely meal of Wendys
chili cheese fries. I love those things. It was so noisy in the union man lobby and food court that
the piano room is pretty crowded today. There is only one seat left-my usual spot at the far right
corner by the window. Perfect. It is like I was meant to be here today to observe people. There
are several students clustered around lounge chairs adjacent to the piano. They are talking in
hushed tones about an upcoming geography exam. Ugh. I hate geography, geology, or pretty
much anything starting with geo. One girl in the group of studyers is explaining a difficult
concept to a guy. Hes hanging on to every word. Understanding draws on his face as she clearly
enunciates how to find geologic location. As she finishes, he yells out a Thank you!. You
explained it way better than the professor!, he says as he feverishly writes down some notes. I
need a good grade on this test. I have a D. Yikes. The poor kid. I know what it is like to be close
to flunking a class. Not fun. The girl who explained geologic location to the boy had a look of
sympathy on her face, compassion even. She clearly felt for the kid. I watch as she puts a hand
on the boys shoulder. You got this, she says to him. The others in the group nod in agreement.
There is such a spirit of care and teamwork in that group. They act as if what happens to one
during the test happens to all. Are they regulars to this room? Why do they choose to study here?
A newcomer enters the room. She is dressed in a Wendys hat and uniform. She has a big
Wendys cup in her hand. I recognize her. It is the woman who took my order for the chili cheese
fries at Wendys. She looks tired. There are no lounge chairs left. So, she sits at the vacant piano
bench with a sigh. It was exceptionally busy at Wendys today, and as a fellow fast-food

employee, I know how exhausting busy shifts can be. I get up out of my chair and offer it to the
Wendys employee. She smiles at my offer and walks over to where I was previously sitting.
Thank you, honey, she says as she sits down. I smile back at her and leave the room.