close

Take some advice: Be smart in school, never miss the fun

By Cheksea Dicks senior Columnist 4 min read
article image -

I really didn’t want to do this, because frankly I am no good at writing about myself. I could go ahead and ramble on about my hard times as a transfer student from Grove City College, how I always knew I wanted to be a journalist or how much the Department of Communication here at Waynesburg University has impacted me. I guess I could do that, but more than likely most of you have no idea who I even am, so I have decided to take a different approach. 

Here are some things that I learned throughout my three years here at WU that will make your college experience better, and cheaper.

Number 1: I have the solution to the number one problem that everyone complains about at this school, the parking problem.

Actually, Brandon Szuminsky, a communication instructor and our newspaper advisor, came up with it and I agree so I would like to share it with you (just in case someone actually has some initiative and makes a change happen). Parking spots should cost the student more or less in conjunction with how close the spot is to highly trafficked areas around campus. This means that when students apply for a parking pass, they choose a location spot on campus. If they choose spots in front of Buhl or across from Hanna Hall the spot will cost more than spots down by Willison or down by the parks. Seniors and commuters would get first choice at spots. Smart, right? Someone do something about it.

Number 2: Do not buy a meal plan at any college if you don’t have to. I know that grants and loans will pay for it but here is the math: There are around 16 weeks, give or take a few days, per semester. If you have a 19 meal plan, you pay around $14 for each meal here. I am a commuter without a meal plan and I pay around $3.50 for my lunch at the Beehive and $5.10 for a cafeteria meal that is the salad bar and stuff. Not only is $14 a lot, but also if you add this into your financial package you will later be paying interest on your meals while paying off your student loans.

Number 3: Students, you need to realize that complaining on social media and with one another will change nothing. Someone needs to take some initiative and actually present issues such as the washer and dryer problem to the school so they become aware of the issue. 

Number 4: I know this is cheesy and very cliché but take time to have a college experience. I didn’t, and that will always be a regret of mine. Take time for the things you enjoy. If you are in to theater, be in a play; if you love to worship, join Upper Room; if you love sports, play in the intramural games. Whatever it is you really enjoy, make time for it. Go to bingo and coffeehouses and concerts. Be a member of a Relay for Life team. I don’t know, just be a part of this campus.

I know that within five years I will be nothing more than a name rarely, if ever, spoken on the fourth floor of Buhl Hall. I will not leave a legacy, or a name that will become timeless. I will be forgotten by most. But you know what? That’s okay, because there are a few here that will remember me for more than just a name, but as a friend, mentor, co-worker and confidant. What more can I ask for?

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $4.79/week.

Subscribe Today