Every now and then I get emails regarding alumni events which sound mildly interesting. Now, I’m sure they provide great opportunities to socialize with some people whom I haven’t seen in a while. However, simmering beneath all the good will is the fact that these events are also ways for the faculty to raise funds. Knowing that sort of triggers some cynicism from deep within. I have no intention of handing over more money to them.

I don’t want to say I’m bitter toward my school, however…all evidence seems to point to that, doesn’t it? I keep wondering if it’s a departmental thing. I mean, it almost seems like the Comp Eng people are generally quite bitter about their experiences. I could be wrong, after all, I was mostly surrounded by like-minded individuals and we were all quite angry people. However, when I speak with students from the other departments like the Civil Eng people, they speak of their profs and departments in such glowing terms. That’s one reason I don’t want to blame the university as a whole–I know it’s capable of generating satisfied graduates.

So what happened?

I don’t intend on sending more money their way if I can help it unless it’s for some reason from which I’ll personally benefit. Later on though, if my kids feel that that particular school, faculty and department is where they want to study, then I’ll have no problem helping them out.

See, I’m not all bad.