2008 Woodie Awards
Time to check the voicemail
Michael Bayer
Issue date: 4/16/03 Section: Commentary
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Having walked around the Hilltop for the past couple of years, I have noticed a very distinct pattern in the way Hoyas greet one another, or, in many cases, fail to do so. There are several distinct levels of “knowing” people on-campus, and people can move up and down this social ladder.
Level One. This is an individual whom you greet with an unrestrained enthusiasm, caring little for what passers-by may remark as you run up and give your friend a great big hug. Smiles abound, and the greeting may go something like this: “Heyyyyy (insert name here)!! I just dropped off the film at Full Exposure; it’ll be ready by six. Where do you feel like going for dinner tonight? Have fun in your Con Law class, I’ll catch ya later hun.” The first thing that is evident in this dialogue is the lack of an inane phrase like “How are ya?” The two are clearly at a level in which it is no longer necessary to swap superficial greetings; they know everything that is going on in the other’s world. While there are varying tones that this exchange can assume, from the laid back-comfort of best friends to the ecstatic infatuation of new couples, this interaction signifies the highest level of friendship, and as such, is generally the most anticipated greeting of the day.
Level Two. This individual is a good friend, one whom you are genuinely happy to see. The smile is sincere and there may be an accompanying gesture, e.g., a wave or a high five. The salutation will most likely sound something like this: “Hey, (name)! How are ya? So I’ll see you at the Tombs tonight right? Awesome, just call my cell when you get there.” Notice that the exchange itself does not depart radically from the above conversation; however, there is an uncertainty expressed as to whether or not the two will, indeed, meet up that night. While this interaction is not the highlight of one’s daily routine, it certainly evokes a smile, and often can brighten up an otherwise monotonous walk from Walsh to Reiss.
Level One. This is an individual whom you greet with an unrestrained enthusiasm, caring little for what passers-by may remark as you run up and give your friend a great big hug. Smiles abound, and the greeting may go something like this: “Heyyyyy (insert name here)!! I just dropped off the film at Full Exposure; it’ll be ready by six. Where do you feel like going for dinner tonight? Have fun in your Con Law class, I’ll catch ya later hun.” The first thing that is evident in this dialogue is the lack of an inane phrase like “How are ya?” The two are clearly at a level in which it is no longer necessary to swap superficial greetings; they know everything that is going on in the other’s world. While there are varying tones that this exchange can assume, from the laid back-comfort of best friends to the ecstatic infatuation of new couples, this interaction signifies the highest level of friendship, and as such, is generally the most anticipated greeting of the day.
Level Two. This individual is a good friend, one whom you are genuinely happy to see. The smile is sincere and there may be an accompanying gesture, e.g., a wave or a high five. The salutation will most likely sound something like this: “Hey, (name)! How are ya? So I’ll see you at the Tombs tonight right? Awesome, just call my cell when you get there.” Notice that the exchange itself does not depart radically from the above conversation; however, there is an uncertainty expressed as to whether or not the two will, indeed, meet up that night. While this interaction is not the highlight of one’s daily routine, it certainly evokes a smile, and often can brighten up an otherwise monotonous walk from Walsh to Reiss.