Septembre Russell – copy editor. Campus changes have been the focus of a considerable portion of this newspaper. Among the more significant of the changes discussed is the merging of the Observatory with the Cattyshack. As redundant a topic as this is, I feel as though the issue has merely been contemplated; and on a basic, observational level at that.
We need to uncover what is at the heart of the issue, the kitty gritty — if you will.
With having a long-standing convenience become primarily unavailable comes justified dissonance. However, the adjustment alludes to problems more significant than discontent: a lack of communication and fairness.
It is well understood that there are ways to inspire change, but the feeling of concern does little in the way of amelioration. Therefore, the complaints of my contemporaries are expressed without merit until they are given power in number and in form and until specific actions are taken.
Several students wonder why, if it is truly in the interest of management to hear our concerns and opinions, there aren’t any comment cards to accompany the suggestion box inside of Dillin Hall. Student feedback should be of more importance, specifically because they are the ones most affected by change and because they live with inherited advantages and disadvantages of the decisions made.
If there were comment cards, they would feature remarks about the lack of variety inside the Cattyshack. There are few choices of ice cream or flavor of frozen dinner, to say the least.
Energy drinks are non-existent in the aisles, as well. Shouldn’t energy drinks be considered close to a necessity on a college campus? And where are the chips? No Cheetos, Doritos or Lays on which to snack; “Why, that’s preposterous,” they’d say. The selection is incredibly meager.
Should my logic be under investigation, or is it insane to assume that, with the flu season approaching along with the impending dread characterized by the spread of H1N1, I would want to see a box of Theraflu or cough drops in the Cattyshack, at least? How is it plausible that, among the medicine section, dare it be labeled such, there isn’t anything that could help me bear through a period of illness? I’m sorry, but Pepto Bismal, Midol and Benadryl will not suffice.
A box of condoms can be picked up at your leisure, however. Thanks for helping students stay safe because, outside of coughing and blowing their ever-running noses, I’m sure they have big plans for action.
Whose pockets are we padding here when the end result of this transformation is fewer selection and higher prices? When is it ever OK to charge close to $6 for a 10-oz. box of Triscuit crackers? Paying for convenience is understandable and necessary at times, but where is the line drawn? Who profits from students paying too much for items they wish were were something else, especially considering the fact that the balance on our cards does not roll over into the subsequent semester? Where does that money go; it isn’t prepaid insurance, is it?
The Cattyshack has shoes to fill that are bigger than its feet.
How could it possibly offer benefits identical to the Observatory with less space and even less contemplation? The food has been moved, there’s nothing left to it. Oh, but there is much to be desired. The grand idea needs desperately to be expounded upon, and quickly, or there may be a mutiny. Unless you’ve got an upset stomach, cramps or allergies, the beloved Cattyshack will not meet your needs.