I’m beginning to seriously doubt N.C. State’s ability to involve the campus community. I used to be excited every time I saw new flyers going up advertising the next UAB or IRC event — each time thinking that maybe this event will be something I can really get into. Each time I end up disappointed.
It isn’t just me. I often hear the same disappointed remarks coming from my friends and others around me. Just the other day I was sitting outside of the Atrium and overheard people talking next to me. I heard one person tell his friend that he was now working as a representative to the Inter-Residence Council for his residence hall. Someone else at the table remarked to the newly appointed IRC representative that he thought IRC was a joke — that all they did was plan events they wanted to go to and then use student fees to fund them. I laughed a little bit but thought about what the person said. It’s actually true to a certain level.
It’s strange. Sometimes I do get excited about events I see coming to campus but then somehow it just fades. Something is definitely missing in the campus life at N.C. State, and it’s not the student body’s fault.
I have various high school friends still in the area attending UNC or Duke. They often invite me to different events at their respective campuses. I always end up hearing stories told about the good times that my friends had at their on-campus events, and I always end up envious that I’m missing out on a major part of the college experience. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve been to many State functions. I’ve given our campus its fair chance.
Last year former poet laureate Billy Collins came to N.C. State for a reading. I’ve long been a fan of Collins, so I was excited when I heard he was coming. When the night finally came and I went to see Collins, I was disappointed at what I found. There were a few students in the room and around 50 older couples. The atmosphere was stagnant — I felt like I had been thrown into a still life where no college student belonged. It was like the event wasn’t even for State students.
Something has got to change. I love so many things about N.C. State. I can honestly say that the longer I go here the less I can imagine myself anywhere else. N.C. State is a great place but I really mean it, something has got to change. I want cultural events and social happenings on campus that fit me and my peers.
The various campus organizations as well as Student Government need to start holding campus referendums to find out what will get State students excited. The referendums need to be convenient to student life so that students will actually be able to provide feedback. It could be as easy as using something like the new class evaluation system, where students could just log in and express what they would be interested in. Once they find some good ideas that the entire campus can enjoy, they need to work hard to hype events and get State excited. They could even plan some events that focus on bringing social life back to Hillsborough Street. Having N.C. State nightlife come back home would certainly make the upcoming revitalization project a lot more pertinent.
N.C. State is a great place to get an education. Let’s put it to our campus organizations and Student Government to make it a great place to have a good time too.
What do you want to see change on N.C. State’s campus? Let us know at [email protected].
