Here’s something obvious: the new dorms in the University Student Center are nicer than the slightly older ones in Residence Hall One.
In RHO, the furniture is a little bit worn. Sometimes there are leaks and carpets need to be replaced or removed. It’s not unlike the difference between the back corner of a Salvation Army and a shiny showroom at IKEA.
Obviously, those differences will diminish as the USC’s shininess wears down to a dull luster as the lives of thousands of students move through. And RHO will get more than a few makeovers before it’s knocked down to make room for something bigger and better. But for now, it’s hard to argue that the two dorms are equal.
Here’s something that should be obvious, but apparently isn’t: both on-campus housing options deserve equal respect.
Some students treat RHO like they’re on some sort of perpetual spring break — like Harmony Korine’s vision of St. Petersburg actually exist, and it’s on this campus. The students who come to school to learn are roomed with the students who come for the “college experience,” that mythical panacea of endless partying that doesn’t exist within 50 miles of campus.
There have been complains about urine in the hallways, vomit in the elevator and furniture gone missing, only to turn up in a student’s room a few days later.
It’s true, you pay a decent amount to live in those spaces — and your quarters might not be up to your expectations. It’s true, you have certain inalienable rights that RA’s and administrators sometimes encroach on.
But other people pay to live there, too. And they didn’t sign up for your messes. Your irresponsibility. Your devil-may-care-because-I-don’t-live-with-my-parents-anymore attitude.
Here’s something not obvious at all until you’re out of school and jobless, like so many of us are: you need to do better.
You’ve heard in a million times before. Or maybe you haven’t heard it at all. But you need to be involved in college to get a job when you’re done. The piece of paper with your name and a golden seal will crack a door or two, but it’s your accomplishments that will really throw them open.
Sure, a shindig every now and then cleanses the soul. But if you’re focused on partying, you’re probably not learning the sort of lessons college is supposed to teach. Join Student Government. Attend a Harborside Activities Board meeting. Start a club. Come write an article or two about something you love.
You don’t have the right to throw up in the hallway outside of your RA’s door. But if you’re a great student, if you give back to your community and put down those foundation blocks for a solid career, he or she might look the other way just this one time.
What more could you ask for in life?
