AFI and "The Boys Next Door"

The reading of the play definitely informed me for my experience at AFI and vice versa. It was kind of funny because I would catch myself comparing the people I met to the characters in the play. For example, I pictured our guide (I forgot her name) as Jack. I wondered if she was becoming burnt out or if she still found it fulfilling in helping the mentally handicapped. When it was time to mingle with the clients I sat with a guy named Wilbur. He was probably in his early 60's with glasses. He didn't seem to be mentally retarded, but he was different. He reminded me a lot of Arnold in the story. J.B reminded me of Lucien. You couldn't really understand J.B. when he spoke, but I could tell he had a sweet spirit about him just like Lucien. Jason reminded me most of Norman. Mostly because he had a girlfriend and their personalities seem to sort of fit and he was very sweet to ladies (including myself ha ha). Lastly, there was Skip. He was mostly like Barry. No one informed me, but I figured out he was schizophrenic. I sat by him during our reading time and I noticed he kept talking to himself. I didn't figure it out until he laughed at something he seemed to "hear" from someone else that he was schizophrenic. I had never met a schizophrenic before, but I couldn't stop watching him and just "study" him I guess. I found it fascinating really. Going to AFI almost jump started my heart for a love for these people. They all seem to be so happy considering their circumstances. Thinking back on it now, my heart just goes out to them and I want to go back if only to talk with them some more. All in all, I want to thank you Professor Corrigan for taking us here. It's opened my eyes and my heart and I could only ask to hopefully go back one day.