Article November 12, 2012 Issue

Abel or able?

Chuck Harvuot

I was reminded recently of an experience I had in college a number of years ago. Like most first-year students at the state university I attended, I would be living in one of the large dormitories on campus. Unlike today, at that time there were no personality tests or lists of personal preferences to complete on the dormitory application; students were simply assigned a room and a roommate. 

After moving in, I quickly learned that my roommate and I were different in many ways. He smoked; I didn’t. He was early to bed, early to rise; I wasn’t. He liked playing his music all the time (without headphones), including while he studied; I preferred some quiet time, especially when I studied. He had made few friends at school; I had quickly attained a circle of friends. He had no nonacademic activities and spent most of his time in our room; I sang in the Glee Club, belonged to the Christian Science Organization on campus, and had a radio program on the dorm’s radio station. I could add to the list, but I think I’ve made my point.

Our room was small, accommodating little else besides a set of bunk beds, two desks with chairs, one shared dresser, and a closet. As the weeks went by, tension steadily built between us. I offered my headphones to him for his music; he refused. I asked if he could occasionally smoke outside; he began smoking cigars in the room. I asked him if he could be a little quieter in the morning when he got up; he began to get up and make noise even earlier. 

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