My office sits at the end of a hallway and would be considered by many to be in an out-of-the-way corner where little activity takes place. I mean that’s what I thought when I first moved into it. That’s why I picked it. No one would be walking by. There wouldn’t be much noise. The only ones who would come back there would be doing it for business purposes only. However, the decorators decided to put three blue chairs a few feet away from my door.
Through the years, the blue chairs have become a popular spot for people waiting for class. More often than not, people work on their computer; study for a test; read a book; or sleep. In short, they are doing the things that college students do. But, there are times when things change and the atmosphere becomes conversational. Groups gather before class and talk about things that college students talk about. That’s not surprising.
The surprise is that the conversations go on like I am not even there. It’s like they think there is an invisible force field in the door frame that stops sound from entering my office. Or, they think I am deaf, but I am not the deaf teacher. Or, maybe they don’t care what I hear. No matter the case, I hear a lot.
From my office, I have heard relationships fall apart – either in person or by phone. Several years ago, one older student had a profanity-laced screaming match with her boyfriend. I have also heard people talk about how terrible their relationships are. The whole time I am thinking that if you don’t know how to get out of a bad relationship now, then you have a tough row to hoe.
I have also heard complaints about teachers, coaches and other figures of authority. Admittedly, this surprises me the most. After all, I am a member of the group that they are talking about. This teacher isn’t fair. That teachers sucks. My coach is an idiot, and the other coaches laugh at him. It goes on and on. And, guess what. They also talk about ME! Outside of my office! While I am sitting there!
That’s serious stuff. When people are caught in bad relationships and discuss the faults of their teachers, they are hitting topics that are important. However, a lot of times it gets comical. I have heard about the plans for huge parties and about parties that have already happened. I have heard students laugh, joke and reveal the fun aspects of college. They talk about movies, music and other topics that are important to them. Honestly, it helps me keep up to date and be able to talk to them about things they consider important.
When they put the blue chairs outside my office door, I was not very happy. I thought it was going to break down the walls of my fortress of solitude. I was right, but I am glad that it happened. I have access to information that tunes me into the psyche of our students and provides me with information on the happenings of campus. This is valuable information that I can use to relate better with the students and, hopefully, educate them better. It will also help me when I take over the world. Every good leader should know the hearts and souls of his people.
SBI: A Thinning Crowd 
May be, the blue chairs put there on purpose, so that you can be an informant (intelligent) for the university 🙂 just joking .
I have actually thought of that.
I smell a new series of posts: The Blue Chair Sessions
I believe you are correct. Unfortunately, I can’t remember many specifics from the past. It will need to be future sessions.