An Open Letter to the Art Department
I remember when I first decided to get involved with you. It seemed like a good idea at the time. I knew you had many others from the start, but I felt that you and I shared the same system of beliefs and that I would somehow outshine them. You quickly became my favorite past-time and escape, and perhaps the feelings that led me to write this letter arose because I treated you as such.
I did feel that for a time, your interest in me surpassed your interest in some others. I watched them in the hallways as they passed, exercising the pageantries that you are associated with. "How silly," I would think, "That they think this impresses anyone." "How silly," I thought, "That they think that's what you're about." Because of my talent, I told myself, and because of my opinions and maybe even my personality, I had earned your approval. But I soon realized that I was wrong. As they rehearsed and recited and made plans for their future with you, I saw the innate difference between us. I loved you for who you really are, and they loved you for what you stood for. It was at this point that things began to sour for me.
Your expectations grew into demands, and unreasonable ones at that. Certain aesthetics were, as far as I am concerned, shoved down my throat, and your insistence that I regurgitate those aesthetics quickly followed. The previously mentioned "others" did very well in your system, as they should, but I, on the other hand, felt deeply betrayed. I lost all interest in making you happy. I was so filled with disgust that going to see you became an arduous task. What had once been my refuge became a prison; my commitments, obligations.
Please understand, however, that I am aware of my own shortcomings. Searching for a peace, I looked elsewhere for the escape that you had for so long provided me. Turning to various forms of substance abuse helped me look away from your nagging and egotism long enough to get me through the classes that I didn't skip. While it muddled my memory and focus, I refocused on myself. I found that I did not need you, and that I stayed for so long only because I felt that I did.
As a result of all of these things, I became completely apathetic in regards to our relationship and have finally made the difficult decision to leave it. I get the distinct feeling that I will not be missed.
In a nutshell, I guess this will do: It didn't work out, and that's okay. I want you to know that in the end, you have meant a lot to me. You greatly contributed to my development as a person, and I will never forget that, though you may easily forget me.
Thank you for satisfying the requirements of my new minor.
Sincerely,
Isabella