Anonymity
Oct. 18, 2001
At UF, and I suppose at most large public universities, we often complain that to the system we are nothing but a number. We reject this forced anonymity as sinister and a threat to our college-born individuality. Tonight, however, I had a slightly different experience. After dropping Kim off an O'Hare, I walked out of this ridiculously crowded airport, drove onto an insanely packed freeway, and pulled off to a rest stop with a Burger King that spanned the expressway like a bridge.
Suddenly, I was a completely anonymous person. I paid for my meal in cash. No one saw me get out of my car. Its actually kind of thrilling. I don't know why, but it was really exciting to be in a place I'd never been, and with no one who knows me. I sat and watched the thousands of cars stream underneath me for a while, just enjoying the buzz of being totally anonymous. Of being "just another American" sitting in a restaurant eating a double cheeseburger. I'm not sure why I would have this sensation. Perhaps it is just the feeling of adventure, of being in a totally unique situation, and of seeing things differently because of it.
I sure miss Kim. This was a neat experience on my way back from dropping her off, but it certainly wasn't worth being away from her for a week.