Providing a list of things to watch out for this year
The first week of school can be exciting, especially for freshmen who are experiencing the first form of legitimate independence in their lives. However, for others such as juniors and seniors who have already spent a considerable amount of time learning both the good and the bad of the university, there may be a sense of doom as we wait for the most annoying aspects of university life to reappear once more this year. And since last week’s issue was filled with helpful tips for hopeful new students, it is only fair to give out a warning as well, so here is a list of some things to not look forward to this semester.
First is the inevitable sickness that spreads throughout the student population because of the Sip N’ Slide and other huge university events and is furthered by ill students who are on the brink of collapse still choosing to come to class and spreading their illness to others. If you are sick, I am begging you to stay home. Do not be selfish and spread whatever you have to others. Special shoutout to whoever came to class while ill and got me sick. I bet you would hate it if you contracted COVID during finals week, so do not come to class if you are ill and risk getting others sick, especially during important weeks.
Second is the university-wide dreaded appearance of the debate kids. Every semester, a gaggle of 15-year-olds dressed in suits appear seemingly out of thin air and occupy the Student Union, our quiet spaces such as student lounges and our classrooms. Sometimes, due to the university’s poor planning, they even occupy our classrooms during the time in which we are meant to have class. This is not at all fair to us students who have our spaces and routines disrupted without fair warning, meaning that while the university may have put this information on the university-wide calendar, very few people check it, and it would have been better if the university included this information in its TU Today email. Furthermore, is it not fair to the debate kids who get interrupted during their debates when a professor has to tell them they are being too loud or are occupying a classroom during class time. Furthermore, it is a desecration to our spaces, primarily the Women and Gender Studies suite, when children come into our areas, move the furniture, eat our snacks and create disturbances as students are trying to study for and complete their exams. Therefore, I am once again begging the university to let us know when the debate kids are coming so we can, at least mentally, prepare for the disruption.
Third is that, in all likelihood and despite our begging and pleading, the university will remain open and classes will continue during the worst week in winter when it is hailing and the roads are covered in sleet. Choosing to allow classes to continue in such dangerous weather conditions shows a complete lack of regard for commuter students who, unlike those living on campus, cannot just put on a coat, grab an umbrella and walk 15 feet to their classes.
The list of things the university could do better is ongoing — the university could increase Chick-fil-A’s hours, for instance — but it is much more interesting to discover both the good and the bad of the university yourself, so good luck.
