Colleges and Candidates

What do you get when you mix a concoction of snow and rain, a moderate city setting, and a strong accent? The answer is, if you haven't guessed it, Boston. What does Boston have to do with the election of 2008? Well, right now, nothing. However, it was one of the cities I visited over the last week in search of college tours. Each tour I attended in Boston, Rhode Island, and Connecticut was captivating. Whether or not it was grandiose statues, gothic architecture, or stellar academics each college presented me with a different perspective. However inseparable the two may seem, I could not help but think of the election. Each college was like a candidate. Each college had a centerpiece, an individual point of attraction that was accentuated by the tour guide. While the admissions officer continued to rely on this individual point for support, it was up to the prospective student to acknowledge less flattering aspects. One must do this with the candidates as well. It is crucial to examine every point, to acknowledge every flaw and every accomplishment, before crafting one's final opinion and final vote. What can one find between colleges and candidates? Nothing. There is no middle, there is no end, there is no beginning. Each one must be examined separately and then compared. You probably know that already, but I figured it was worth repeating. Enjoy.

-JCarmel