NATHAN NUNNELLY
freshman, finance major
DEREK COOK
freshman, art foundations
NN We’re going to get a toothbrush at the Commons. I lost mine.
CT I’m very sorry.
NN Yeah. I can’t find it. I lost my toothbrush and also my calculator.
CT Is it possible they’re in the same place?
NN No. Calculator’s at my dad’s house, probably, maybe. Or in my dorm room. Toothbrush is at JMU, or — in my dorm room. You know what, I just want a new toothbrush. For like, pretty teeth, for my girlfriend. Oral B.
CT What’s up at JMU these days?
NN My girlfriend.
CT (to Cook) Do you have a girlfriend?
DC Yeah, she goes to University of West Virginia. It’s – cold. And mountainous.
CT Let’s free-associate: The first story about your lady friends that pops into your head is – ?
NN Probably her – face?
DC That’s not a story, dude.
CT Midterms are coming up. Has stuff been busy?
NN I’ve been working in a psych ward.
CT Really?
NN I’m a patient aide, yeah. I work one-on-one with attempted suicides.
CT How does one become qualified to do this?
NN I graduated high school.
CT I can’t tell if you’re making this up.
NN (Produces identification)
CT That’s legit, yes.
NN I see a lot of crazy things. Not just suicides, but guys with, like – schizophrenia, say. They kind of live in their own reality. So for example a guy might think he’s a secret agent, on call with the president. And (that) he also created the universe.
CT That’s quite a lot of pressure for one guy.
NN And you do see people who have attempted suicide, with like either – (mimes cutting wrists, cutting neck). It is kind of a ‘culture shock,’ say. It’s a lot different form normal society. It’s like the darker side of society that you never really see. I mean you can read about it, but — when you first step onto a (psych ward), and you see it in person, you’re just like – what? So that was the hardest thing for me.
I work for children now. And it’s kind of like the darker side of children. Really sad.
CT You said you’re a finance major. Does the patient aide gig tie in with what you want to do after college?
NN Yeah, I kinda wanna do medical administration.
CT Are you going to be with your girlfriend still at that point?
NN I have no idea.
CT All right guys, here it is: This is your chance to say what you’ve always wanted to say to the greater VCU population.
NN Hey Derek, what should we say to the greater VCU population?
DC Woot Woot. Holla back – girl.
CT Would you agree to that statement?
NN I solemnly swear that I agree with that statement. (Places hand over imaginary Bible). This is a like – (indicates imaginary Bible) Bible.