The Mycenaean

Lunchtime is one of the most important breaks in a school day. It gives students a chance to relax, recharge, and catch up with friends. At our school, we have two main dining spaces: the main cafeteria and the Murphy cafeteria. Each one offers a different experience, and students often debate which is better.

The Main cafeteria is the larger of the two. It has the kitchen, lunch line, and lots of seating. When students want to grab a full lunch, snacks, or drinks, this is where they go. The lunch line is located here, so it’s the only place where food is actually served.

Murphy cafeteria, on the other hand, does not have its own lunch line. Students have to get their lunch from the Main cafeteria and then carry it over. That sounds like a hassle at first, but many students are willing to make the walk. Why? Because the Murphy offers a completely different atmosphere.

The Main cafeteria is busy and noisy, especially during peak lunch hours. Lines are long, conversations are loud, and finding a seat can be stressful. It similarly resembles a stampede, the way students cut and push to get to the front of the lunch line. By the time some students get to the lunch line, lunch is over.

In contrast, Murphy is calm. It’s a smaller space with fewer students, which makes it more peaceful. The tables are spaced out more, the atmosphere feels more relaxed. For students who want a less chaotic place to eat, Murphy is a great option.

Even though you can’t get food in the Murphy, many students think it’s worth the extra trip. Some students even bring lunch, which lengthens their lunch time. The difference is still big because of how short lunch is. 

The seating in Murphy’s is also more comfortable. It’s easier to find a clean, open table without having to squeeze in with a crowd. The calm environment makes it easier to talk with friends. The only disadvantage is that the tables are arranged in rows instead of circles so it might be harder to talk to many people at once.

Vending machines are located in both buildings, however different drinks are sold. If you wanted a Celsius, you would have to go to Murphy, but if you wanted an apple juice, you would have to go to Main. 

Most of the time, students with classes in Murphy typically eat lunch there since it’s less of a commute. Same goes for students in the Main. 

After they have finished eating their lunch, most students walk outside and talk with their friends. Lunch is a great social hour for friends to catch up and chat. However, the divide in two separate lunches makes this difficult. Some students’ friends might be in A lunch, while others might be in B lunch.

Another reason students choose one cafeteria over the other is how loud it is. Some students don’t like a lot of noise and want a quiet place to eat. The Murphy cafeteria is much calmer. You can hear your friends talk without shouting, and you don’t feel rushed while eating. The Main cafeteria, on the other hand, can feel crazy. There are long lines and so many people talking at once that it can be hard to think or relax.

Cleanliness is another difference between the two cafeterias. Both places are cleaned by the staff, but the Murphy usually feels cleaner. Since fewer students eat there and not as many walk through it, it does not get messy as fast. In the main cafeteria, trash builds up more quickly, especially during the later lunches, which can make it feel less nice to sit in.

Another small difference is how students use technology. In Murphy, it’s quieter, so students are more likely to use their laptops or phones to do homework or relax. In the Main cafeteria, it’s louder and more crowded, so it’s harder to focus or find space to use your things.

In the end, it really depends on what kind of lunch experience each student wants. Some students like the Main cafeteria because it’s easier to get food quickly and it’s full of energy and activity. Others prefer the Murphy because it’s quieter and more relaxing, even if they have to walk a little farther to get there. 

Both cafeterias have good things about them, and it’s nice that students get to choose which one fits their style best. Having two different lunch spaces is something that makes our school special, and gives everyone a chance to enjoy lunch in their own way.