Happy 21st birthday to me! That’s right, today is the day that I cross over to the fully legal side of life. As it is a typical tradition for people to get presents on their day of birth, I have decided that there are a few gifts that I want on this splendid day. Now these gifts are not only for me, but for the entire North Carolina State student family.
First, I want students to be able to have fun again at sporting events. The atmosphere that surrounds Wolfpack athletic events has to improve. Tailgating needs to return to the glory days where students, alumni and other Wolfpack fans can come eat good food, drink and truly enjoy the time before kickoff. If it is safety that the Administration is worried about then bring in more uniformed police officers. Yes, it will require the school to spend money to actually benefit students.
In the past two football games we have defeated ranked opponents; both of which were close games. After these two amazing victories I would have loved to rush the field and join with our football team to celebrate. However, this could not happen because of the dozens of police officers waiting to arrest joyful fans. Around the country, many times on TV you see students having the opportunity to storm the field or court after a last-second shot or game-winning score. The powers that be must allow for students to celebrate these amazing victories by allowing us to rush onto the field like many other universities around the country. While safety is an issue, the police that are set to arrest students currently can monitor and deal with unruly fans in an appropriate manner.
The second gift that I wish to receive is to have a more socially active campus. The University needs to bring more events to campus. Only during Homecoming week do we truly have an active campus socially. Wouldn’t it be great if we had more than one concert on campus per year? Concerts and comedy shows are great ways to raise the social environment of the campus. Also, the University should continue to bring thought-provoking speakers to campus as they have done with the Millennium Series.
Next on my wish list is the construction around campus. Yes, there is a need to renovate some of our older buildings and to make modifications elsewhere on campus, but it is important to finish these projects before starting new ones. I look around campus and see some unfinished work, such as the fountain near Talley Student Center and the mound of dirt nearby. I am for making our campus beautiful and better, though I would like to finish projects rather than just leaving them idle and looking incomplete.
The final item on my wish list is a true leader for the students. It is clear that the top person in Student Government is not leading for students.
I want someone that will be a voice for what students want. We are seeing that in Student Senate President Zach Adams (though I question his vote to support a $230 tuition increase). Student Body Treasure Adam Compton and Student Chief Justice Lock Whiteside are saying what is on students’ minds, however, Student Body President Will Quick is not.
Like other students, I am looking for someone that will fight for me on the important issues like the new ticketing system and tailgating. Remember, the current policies were ones that Quick has supported. To me, these birthday presents should not only be for me, but the entire Wolfpack family. These are just a few of the things around campus and throughout the University that I have noticed. I am sure that there are other things out there and if you see any of them I encourage you to speak up.
If I were lucky and got these items on my wish list, I think that this University would be a much better place for you and me. However, if I can’t get anything on my list I will gladly accept money, food or if none of those work, you can buy me a shot later tonight at Mitch’s.
Send a present to Matt at [email protected]