Topix Underground

One of the years that I was at University of Michigan I ended up getting stuck in this "co-op" housing for Russian studies students because I came in late.  I was the only person in the entire building that didn't speak Russian at all times. They all ate together and the deal was that "co-op" meant you did some kitchen duty and then ate with all the Russian speakers. So I basically woke up at 6, washed pots and then split to dorm where I had paid for a food card because there was no fckng way I was sitting at a table while a bunch of geeks spoke Russian to one another.
I would go to the cafeteria at Bursley Hall like 5 minutes before closing and eat at a table alone facing the wall.
In retrospect, it was the perfect Cold War Era college experience for me. I was and am a true believer.