Aurora Magazine 2018

It’s Not You, Just Everything About You

T I M O T H Y F O S T E R

Spring 2016

An anxious dread washes over me when I arrive on campus. I don’t belong here, and I’ve already made the mis- take of knowing who doesn’t want me here through toxic internet comments. The reassurances from faculty and staff don’t make much of a difference when every person in your classes who would rather you not be there. I commit myself to razor sharp determination and a clear goal, get in and get out. I think friendships and relationships will only serve as dis- tractions and a 25-year old really has no business hanging out with teenagers (the “dad” moniker still sticks despite my best efforts). Even though I know better, I can’t help but have my focus drawn to more posts and petition comments. “[SMWC] would be better off dead than co-ed!” “Males are not SISTERS” “…I think it will be the final nail in the coffin…” “Is [SMWC] even worth saving at this point?” “But could I stay in that home, knowing there were what I can only equate as termites in the foundation?” Is that what I am? A termite come to feed on and destroy the foundation of your home? My first thought is the same thing the suburban white mom says to her pothead

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