The Campus Voice

Issue date: 3/16/10 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: TJ Sanchez [Click to enlarge]

The atmosphere surrounding Kent Campus is usually relaxed. There is something peaceful about the large green yards and the large shady trees. The only complaint I have about the campus is the squirrels.

Squirrels are not cute. It amazes me how some people are able to find these disgusting little rodents anything but a source of meat. I see them simply as rats with furry tails. They are often cowardly, constantly foraging for nuts and running as fast as they can from approaching students. Even in my car, they dart in front of me causing me to swerve while everything in my vehicle topples about.

In the middle of the sidewalk at Kent Campus sat one of these nasty little rodents. Its tail flicked behind it as its teeth crunched a nut, little black eyes staring ahead. The whiskers on its nose twitched.

It smelled my undying hatred.

I readied myself, thinking nothing of the squirrel as I jumped forward, attempting to send it scurrying away into the branches. Instead, he dropped the nut and mirrored my movement, sending me five giant steps back squealing as if it had taken off with my toe.

I had done it so many times before; chased a squirrel up a tree like some bored house cat. This was the first time one had actually stood up to me saying "No, I shall not scamper to my nest. You scamper."

Scamper I did.

Since that day I've learned something. I need to stop being such a jerk to squirrels, but more so people. After reflecting on all the things I've done to my fellow humans in the past, I thought now might be the best time to change.

I've attempted to become kinder by holding doors open for fellow students and actually participating in group assignments, rather than scoffing at the ideas of others.

However, the squirrel taught me one other thing: squirrels are not always cowards, but vicious beasts who want to know the taste of my blood.

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