I am absolutely convinced that there is some sort of conspiracy due to backdoor, under-the-table deals between Boston University and a secret society of mechanical pencil manufacturers. Does anybody else find it odd that there are absolutely no pencil sharpeners in any academic building here? Somebody try and point one out next time you’re in class. I think you’ll be unpleasantly surprised.
Before, I was in all general education classes, and I was in quite the ignorant bliss. All my notes were in pen, all the tests were mostly fill-in or essays. Then it happened – the eye-opener I will never forget. I took a calculus class. As I walked into CVS before class I bought pencils, because everybody knows that one shouldn’t derive in pen, and to save money like all college students, I bought good-hearted American No. 2s. The brand, Ticonderoga, which I am guessing is the name of some sweet place where the United States beat somebody in a battle. Picture a patriot-looking type – Perfect for America, especially perfect for New England.
But apparently, BU must take in other aspects of our country, such as backhanded capitalism! Where could I sharpen my pencil? It was a disaster. Not in any classrooms, not in any professor’s office, nowhere! After realizing this, I walked back into CVS, hung my head in shame, proverbial tail between my legs, and bought a set of mechanical pencils for $7.99. I must say, I am sorely disappointed. What’s the deal with mechanical pencils? Was it to make us buy our own pencil sharpeners? Or was it even with CVS to get us to buy more wooden, natural pencils? I will find out, and when I do, mark my word, it’s on.
Ilan Friedman
COM ’09