Meat and potatoes: The literal meat and potatoes are the crux of a classic Thanksgiving meal. The proverbial “meat and potatoes” represent my classes and my job — the two things I’ll overwhelm myself with most. Naturally, there is a selection of meats (classes) from which to choose, and I have different feelings about each. Of course I’m looking forward to the turkey (film and TV courses), especially the dark meat (screenwriting in particular). Then there’s the ham that seems particularly hard to chew, and the driest, most boring chicken breast I’ve ever seen (Latin 4 and my prevailing liberal arts requirements, respectively). The potatoes, just like my job working for admissions, will be fulfilling, rich, and topped with delicious gravy. I don’t have a parallel for gravy, but it’s mandatory and awesome.
Veggies: So many vegetables. And what even is that white one, mom? No I’m not going to add “cauliflower” to my diet. God. I already have too many EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES on my plate. (See what I did there?) Just as vegetables are difficult to eat at first because they taste like garbage, clubs and organizations at school are initially intimidating because you don’t know anyone. Thankfully, as a second semester senior, I’ll be well involved in each of my student groups, so there shouldn’t be any difficulty there. I’ll eat those steamed carrots, the peas and corn, and even the squash this time around. And I’ll enjoy every bite. Finishing out my time working with The Daily Free Press, BUTV, COM Ambassadors, etc. will no doubt be a satisfying and healthy experience. But I refuse to join to the knitting club, no matter how many times you implore me, mom.
Dessert: The dessert is the reward. It’s really the only reason we eat anything else in the first place, right? If I don’t come out of four years of college with some sort of sustainable income, I’ve probably done something wrong. That fruit plate with a slice of sugar-free bundt cake sure was a wholesome and safe option, just like the position with a top-ranking insurance company I’m currently considering selling my soul for after graduation. However, that fat ice cream dollop on top of the slice of triple chocolate cake next to a slice of peach-apple crisp all inside the world’s largest cinnamon bun sure does look sweeeeeet. But I’m worried people might judge me for doing what I want and taking the significantly more risky path and trying to become an independent writer, editor, and filmmaker. Mom, what do you think?
