LITTLE ROCK — This is the time of year when parents and teens are gathering up all they need for that first semester of college. Will the dorm allow a microwave? The boy will certainly need some coffee cups, not to mention a small coffee-maker, but does he really need his own dishes and bowls? Books cost how much? Back in our day . . . .
Families are stocking up on cleaning supplies for that once-over, maybe twice-over, the dorm room will need. The freshmen have already decided on the classes they’ll want to take this semester, but now they’ll have to sign up for them. Don’t want to get stuck with an 8 a.m. biology lab, you know. Overheard last week:
So, dad, did they get the financial aid stuff? Yes. I mailed it in time. But I faxed a copy just in case. Can’t be too careful, you know. Thanks, dad. But . . . . But what?
(Pause.)
What’s a fax?
The world speeds along and there’s not much any of us can do to slow it down. In a few years, we imagine, another kid will be asking an ancient grown-up what’s an iPod.
Editorial, Pages 16 on 08/16/2012