A Fresh Perspective: People Watching

As we enter the second half of the fall semester, I am still amazed by the new things I discover each day at Luther. Whether it be stuffed cabbage balls in the caf or rain boots as a fashion statement, it’s pretty great to continue to be surprised every day.

Recently, I learned of a new, daily activity being carried out by a group of first-year wrestlers: posting. Referred to by some as “the greatest sport at Luther College,” posting is simple. Like clockwork, at every meal—breakfast, lunch, and supper—they claim their table in the middle of the dining room and eat whatever’s being served up that day. After this, it’s time to kick back, relax, and do some good ol’ fashioned people watching.

I know what you’re thinking: “These guys are creepers.” On the contrary, they’re really not creepin’ at all. For those who haven’t experienced people watching, it’s a highly amusing way to pass the time. The caf is a place where nearly every student visits regularly, so it’s inevitably the most diverse place on campus, making it a prime people watching spot. Hundreds of musicians, athletes, faculty and coaches pass through each day, and with this much variety, you’re bound to see something interesting.

For instance, who would’ve thought that the cafeteria would be a place of romance? I sure didn’t think so, until I ate a couple meals with the “post-ers.” They pointed out companionships of all sorts: from the early stages of flirting, to serious couples exhibiting PDA and relationships that just don’t seem to be working anymore.

Another interesting observation is their analysis of the seating arrangement. First, all the sports teams always seem to sit together in the middle of the dining room. Aside from this, the most popular seats are near the windows and in the middle section closest to the drinks.

Eating meals with these guys is truly a unique dining experience. Little goes unnoticed when it comes to the caf, and they are full of compliments and critique of every aspect of college life. During your next meal, don’t just eat and run. Take some time to look around and fully appreciate the complexity, the quirkiness and the mystery that comes from interpersonal interactions found in the Luther College cafeteria.