Random Interview
Patrick J. Howell, sophomore, Kenyon Colleged
[The Chronicle of Higher Education, 5 April 2002]

By RICHARD MORGAN

This is the first in an occasional series that will
offer a slice of campus life based on an interview
with a randomly chosen student. The approach is
borrowed from the The Michigan Daily, the student
newspaper at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

Q. What do people do for fun at Kenyon?

A. Well, Kenyon is in the middle of nowhere. The
school tries to give us things to do. But, to tell you
the truth, people just drink. Greek parties. I don't.
And, I mean, a lot of people are really bright -- just
barely didn't make it into the Ivy League. So you
either go to places with beer or just don't do much
socially. And also, even though we're bad at sports,
there are a lot of people who do sports, so that keeps
people busy.

Q. So do people go on a lot of trips away from Kenyon?

A. People go to Columbus. Or this [shopping center]
called Easton. You know, malls, movies. There's not
much to do in Cleveland. (Roommate in background:
"You're so negative." Laughter.) My roommate just said
I'm negative, but most people just stay on campus.

Q. Have you done any cool road trips?

A. Not yet.

Q. But you're planning one?

A. I'm thinking out West this summer. A big loop.
Anywhere really. New Mexico, California. I've never
seen Oregon.

Q. Where are you from?

A. The east side of Cleveland.

Q. And where will you go after Kenyon?

A. Chicago or Boston. Chicago's really nice. And it's
not in Ohio.

Q. And what will you do with your major?

A. I'm a history major. So I just get knowledge.
That's what a liberal-arts college is about.
Knowledge, but not skills. It's enjoyable, but it's
nothing I expect to use. My father said the most
important thing to learn in college is to read and
write and communicate with other people. History does
that.

Q. Are you dating anyone?

A. No. Nope. Never had a girlfriend. (Laughter.) I'm
20 years old and never had a girlfriend.

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