I.P.: As you all know, we'll miss Ati next
year. He's going to graduate (hopefully) and will try to survive away
from this campus. He won't have another Cine 5 Cafeteria to buy
cheeseburgers or anything at 3 in the morning, and I won't be there to
pay for them. Let's see what he feels like selling pirated VCDs in
Kýzýlay after he graduates. Hello, Atilla...
A.K.: Hello, Mr. Niggard! First of all, I remember you as the one who
was always hungry and who had no money. Anyway... Selling pirated VCDs?
Thanks for the ego boost!
I.P.: That was optimistic for you, pal. Well... What do you feel, huh?
Does it hurt? What will you miss the most besides me?
A.K.: I might answer this question emotionally, considering that I'll be
graduating soon. However,
I really wonder one thing! Do you really want to be famous, if you know
what
I mean? You know, I'm going, so this is your last call. Be good to me!
I.P.: I'm sure that I'll be famous after interviewing the great movie
critic. Haha.. Oh, I see tears in your eyes. Do you love this college
that much?
A.K.: Well, those tears are because of the fact that sooner or later
you'll come to me crying, "I'm sorry, let me be famous!", considering
that you're fooling with your mentor. Haha… By the way, I love this
college more than you!
I.P.: Oh God! I'm so upset! Whatever... Tell me, how many years have you
spent here?
A.K.: Four years! (Hopefully I'll graduate this semester...) Why do you
ask? Actually, you have a funny academic background, don't you? Why
don't you share this with us, Ismail?
I.P.: Haha.. Yeah, I have the funniest academic background at Bilkent,
and probably in Turkey. I'll graduate and start bringing up children,
and then ten years from now, I'll look back at those moments and laugh,
I guess. Starting in the Engineering Faculty and now writing essays
about philosophy... But you didn't answer my question. What will you
miss the most?
A.K.: All right…All right! Did I ever tell you how much you talk? I'll
probably miss you the most, Ýsmail. Haha! Look at your face; I can't
believe you got excited! What are you, eight? Anyway, I think I'm going
to miss all the moments I spent here, because Bilkent means a lot to
me--moments such as the ones I spent with my friends; moments such as
the ones I spent in the Engineering Building before midterms running
around like a chicken with its head cut off. Engineering is a tough
department. Also, for sure, all those moments I spent with the Bilkent
News family. All of these are unforgettable memories for me.
I.P.: Tough, huh? Tell me something I don't know... And about missing
me? Don't worry, I'm too good for you, buddy. Now, how was reviewing
movies for Bilkenters? Was it worth doing? What effect did it have on
you?
A.K.: To be honest, it was a great experience to review all those
movies. When I started writing for the Bilkent News, I didn't know it
would be this great! It's been a wonderful feeling to write every week
and get feedback from Bilkenters. The biggest effect of writing about
movies every week was getting a deeper knowledge and understanding of
cinema day by day, along with self-development. Also, the new puzzle
feature has given a different flavor to the Bilkent News. I'm really
glad to see that so many Bilkenters are eager to send in the answers
every week.
I.P.: Of course they're eager! Free meals and free tickets are always
attractive.
A.K.: Well, getting in on the inside track always works, Ismail.
I.P.: I've sent in lots of answers, but you've never given me anything!
A.K.: Don't worry and keep sending in the answers. One day you'll be one
of the winners.
I.P.: Hey, don't use smileys so much. It's very disturbing.
A.K.: I'm a cheerful person, what can I do?
I.P.: You can cheer. Gosh! There's no cure for you!
A.K.: Thanks for your permission! Can I laugh now?
I.P.: Not much, please!
A.K.: Hsssss, just shut up!
I.P.: By the way, I've heard that there are fans of your column. Is that
right?
A.K.: I believe it would be better to call those friends kind readers
who don't hesitate to write about how much they like my style. Thanks to
all of you who kept it going!
I.P.: Kind guy… OK, now I really don't know what to ask about. The
questions I've been preparing for months are over.
A.K.: Was that all? I can't believe you spent months on those questions.
How will you feel if I ask you questions? Are you ready to lie?
I.P.: Yeah, I'll try to be a better liar than you. Go ahead.
A.K.: Ýsmail, are you excited that I'm leaving? You know, the whole page
will be yours… That means a lot of writing about Life etc.
I.P.: In that case, I can have a column just for my pictures! Have I
ever mentioned to you that I'm a little narcissistic?
A.K.: Then try to be modest, because I have news for you! A new
columnist is going to write with you next year!
I.P.: Really? What will he write about?
A.K.: Not he... she! I advise you to be nice to her, otherwise her first
column will be about you! (That might be real fun, in fact.)
I.P.: Oh, now I'm scared. I'm looking forward to seeing her columns. I
remember my first column on this page... Seeing something that I'd
written in the Bilkent News. Felt weird at the beginning. I guess we get
used to the most difficult situations. By the way, use one more smiley,
and I'll kick you hard.
A.K.: Most difficult situations? It's just a column, man, not a
marriage!
I.P.: Yeah, you're right, I'll try to remember that.
A.K.: Ýsmail, time is ticking away, it's almost midnight, and you’ve
drunk all of my orange juice! You really don't have any money, do you?!
I think you're going to eat up all of my food stock if you stay any
longer.
I.P.: OK, OK, one more cup of juice and I'll be on my way. Promise! I
have essays to write before sunrise.
A.K.: Haha, before sunrise? Yeah, sure...go ahead!
I.P.: OK, I have one last question!
A.K.: Sure, what is it?
I.P.: Do you have one more box of orange juice to go?
Atilla Karakurum & İsmail O. Postalcıoğlu
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