The College Perspective by Lindsey

Through the glass doors there is an expanse of tiled floors, potted plants, and various different sizes of tables and chairs. A small fireplace made of gray tile and wood can be found in the corner, along with a large rotating globe. People who are sitting at the higher tables are mostly sitting in groups, with the occasional older adult sitting by themselves. All of these individuals have a phone or computer that they stare at for several minutes before engaging in quiet conversations with their seatmates. All faces are relatively somber and focused.

Besides the spaces taken up by computers and notebooks, many of these people who filter through the area have purchased drinks, food, or candy from the two women running the small café near the entrance. These two women hold their own conversations about their day and warmly greet each person who approaches their counter.

Towards the back of the large room, the ceilings become higher, the floor becomes carpet, and the people sit in smaller armchairs or low tables. These individuals are by themselves and have no food or drink, just notebooks and computers spread across the long tables or over the floor. If the people in the front of the room seemed focused, these people are on a whole other level. They don’t stop to talk to others and seem almost entranced by their computer screens. The whole room lends an air of coziness and calm, with intermittent bursts of laughter and the hum of quiet whispers.