smelly undergraduates

I'm living a double life. As a student affairs professional I love undergraduates. I think they are full of potential, I can easily put up with their antics, and I generally find them highly amusing and intelligent. As a graduate student I wish a big hole would open up on Grounds, all the undergrads would fall inside, and it would quickly close up. It's really hard to reconcile those disparate sentiments.

Today at work I went downstairs to the "cafe" (really a little room with four vending machines) and on my way back to my so-called office I managed to get caught in a rush of students leaving class. For a group of people so concerned about how they look on a day-to-day basis they certainly could use a little more work in the body odor area. Granted, it is raining today so everything has a musty air to it, but underneath the must is the lingering odor of old socks, unbrushed teeth, bottom-of-the-hamper clothes, and, it has to be said, unwashed sex activities.

I can't imagine what excuse these students would have...Too much homework? Got up late? Stayed up all night? Walk of shame was longer than anticipated? Don't have enough quarters to do laundry? Mom hasn't been to visit? Ran out of soap, shampoo and hot water all at the same time? Haven't learned the basics of personal hygiene? Came right from working out? Oh I think I know all the excuses...but that's just what they are. And there really is no reason for poor personal hygiene, kids. And it doesn't really matter how expensive your clothes are if they are wrinkled and smelly.

Next topic: Awareness 101: You are just one of many people in this world, get used to it!