Comm. Argument Leaps Out of Control - Danielle Valente

MC journalism students witnessed a Comm. Department quarrel firsthand when Melanie briefly interrupted Marek’s class with a simple request.

The short but tense dispute escalated when Marek refused to hand over the coveted possession: a froggy keychain. Who would have thought that a small plush toy sporting a Jasper tee would wreak such havoc?

Melanie, an amiable secretary in the Comm. office, arrived in the small 322 classroom of 15 students with a pleasant attitude and simple favor.

“I need the key,” she said politely, thinking this process was going to be relatively simple.

At first Marek seemed surprised with Melanie’s demand. He laughed somewhat anxiously while placing the blame on his student John, as if he was the one tightly gripping the frog in his palm for 2 days. It was undeniable that John had nothing to do with the froggy keychain’s whereabouts.

Marek’s witty joke came to a halt when he stood upright and looked at Melanie with a serious face, “I don’t have it.”

She was definitely not buying it.

Inching closer with her eyebrows arched, she could not understand why he had refused to hand over the frog.

“But I need it,” she said, becoming more perplexed and more disgruntled.

Melanie’s posture weakened as she leaned forward hoping to uncover something in Marek’s hand. He did not budge, but gripped the 8x11 piece of paper tightly as not to unveil the frog in his left hand. Her threats to call security and pleads to give the key to Dr. Gryzbowski were to no avail.

Then it happened.

Melanie’s patience finally ran out as she lifted her hand to thrust Marek. Fortunately for him, it was a light tap that was in his “good” shoulder, so extended physical therapy visits will not be needed.

Melanie conquered, as she paced out of the room, frog at hand. She quietly mumbled to herself and did not look back at the crazy scene she had just left. Students sat giggling, wondering why Marek just could not hand over the frog.