Conversation 22 - Excerpt

Upperclassman: What’re you looking for?

Freshman coed: I’m trying to find Q22. Building Q22.

U: Q…?

F: It’s supposed to be behind the Flagler Arts Hall here, but there’s nothing there but trees that I can see.

U: Can’t see the forest for the trees, huh? Where’d you get that map?

F: Oh, it’s from our orientation guide. I didn’t want to carry the whole thing around with me, so I just tore out the map. (chuckles)

U: Huh. Good idea. Can I see?

F: Sure. Here. See- we’re here, Circle Road, right? And here’s the Arts Hall, right here, number eighteen….

U: Yeah…mmm….

F: And then Q22 is right- here. Behind it.

U: Yes, but…which way are we facing? Look- Circle Road curves around the Arts Hall, and we’re…uh…we’re here, on the left side of the building, see?

F: Huh? Oh…then…Q22 must be…around to the…right of the Hall from here.

U: C’mon, let’s check. I’ll go with you.

F: Thanks, but you don’t have to….

U: Naw, that’s OK. I’m curious.

F: Thanks, then.

U: (supposing) You’re a freshman, aren’t you?

F: How’d you guess? (laughs)

U: (laughs) ‘Cause I was one myself a couple of years ago. I couldn’t find my physics laboratory till the second week.

F: Really? (laughs)

U: Yeah, and it was in a Quonset, too.

F: A what?

U: A Quonset- a Quonset hut- that’s what the ‘Q’ stands for. It’s an old US Army hut.