אורנים דוט קום – מגזין האינטרנט של מכללת אורנים

Merav Rosenberg, the English Department |

Years of contemplating finally reached the inevitable verdict: I have to return to university.   Actually, the English Inspectorate made the resolution for me.  "Complete or quit" she said. With this heavy ultimatum on my neck, I drag myself to the corridors of the English Department in Oranim and thus put an end to fifteen years of ongoing conflict: To return or not to return.  That had been the question.

The sign on the door of the head of the department read Dr. Elisheva Barkon. What a relief. It's a sign that I am doing the right thing after all. With her welcoming expression and supportive attitude I am given a university schedule and begin the race to graduation.

October 25, the awaited day finally arrives and once again I am looking for Bait 46 room 23 just like I did fifteen years ago.  A déjà vu that triggers old vivid memories.    I feel that nothing has changed. The same old buildings, the familiar green lawns and the narrow paths between buildings are certainly familiar and it immediately inspires confidence. Home sweet home.  I'm back and it feels good to be home. However, I discover that everything has changed except me.

The first lecture is interesting as it should be for a student with a four year old mischievous boy. Jim, a smart lecturer with a sense of humor reveals the complexities of child development in the 21^st Century. I am making an effort to follow his lecture and writing down every word, however, the young students around me are constantly busy with their phones. While I am alert they are comfortable and relaxed. Why? How can they afford to be so calm? Perhaps I should take out my phone and do whatever it is that they are doing. But then a quick glance at my old phone, will reveal that I come from a different era. Besides, why are they so energetic and lively? When did time progress so fast and where was I when it happened?  I suppose that being a mature student means not only a lack of vitality but also a shocking recognition that I can be their mother.

Somehow I manage to finish the lesson with only minor injuries mainly to my pride and I rush to the second class. To my horror Dr. Jackie Haimov greets us not only with a smile but also with laptops on every desk. Why? What's happened to this world? Where have the values of simplicity gone? When did the computer revolution take over? When did it start?   I am very attentive during class trying to transcribe H.R.H. Prince of Wales speech if I could only figure out how the head phones work.

How is it that everyone is already listening to his speech while I am trying to solve the mysteries of technology? Luckily no one has discovered my computer phobia yet. Meanwhile I'm fine pretending to hear every word but the lecturer is approaching and the situation is deteriorating rapidly. Where on earth is the sound regulator?

 I cannot pretend anymore. The only thing I hear now are the beats of my heart and even H.R.H cannot compete with that. Ahhhh eureka I found it. I'm a genius. "Are you listening" the voice behind me inquired. "Of course" I reply happily celebrating my overwhelming achievement.  One small step for technology, one big triumph for me.  Class has finished and I go out of the building. A strong wind hits my face and then it strikes me, I realize I have become my mother…