And at some point, it becomes a way of life, a habit that's hard to break. One of my best friends has become a sort running joke because she just can't help herself--you name it, she's applied. My roommate sent her, as a joke, an "application" to one of our parties this year. Essay question number two: "We relish the exclusion of less worthy individuals. Please explain why we should forfeit the small portion of joy we would obtain in excluding you from our festivities."

But regardless if it can be attributed to human nature, institutional memory or the status quo, we all need a break from time to time. As I sit here with a seven-page Harvard Model United Nations Secretariat application burning a hole in my desk, I remember with fondness my one non-application extracurricular activity this year--IM ice hockey. If there had been a selection process, I wouldn't have had a chance seeing as I accomplished nothing greater than falling over. But standing there on the ice, in skates that caused my ankles to turn in and gloves so big I couldn't even grip the stick, I felt a sense of freedom. Despite my lack of credentials or skill, I could be Wayne Gretzky for the evening. And seeing as it will be spring soon, I'm thinking about looking into IM lacrosse.

Anyone have a stick I can borrow?

Alixandra E. Smith '02 is a government con centrator in Kirkland House. Her column appears on alternate Mondays.