Category: Opinion

Returning to campus this year felt like coming home after a long, summer family vacation. Being an upperclassman, I returned to a sea of familiar faces, friends to help me move in and a feeling of simply belonging. I did not experience any anxiety at all about roommates or classes or making friends. More than anything, it just felt good to be back.

I moved into Stuy and was overall extremely pleased with my rooming situation. My three roommates are awesome and I could not be happier with the layout of my room, the abundance of drawer space and the vast amount of light my room draws from our large window.

Having the sink in my room is a little strange at times, such as when I’m brushing my teeth nearly 5 feet away from my sleeping roommate, but I think it is something I could get used to without too much hassle. After sweating out my first few nights in Hayes last year, having air conditioning has basically changed my life.

My one and only complaint is probably very predictable: Stuy renovations are still not complete. The parking lot is chaos and trying to maneuver our minivan into a nonexistent parking spot on move-in day was difficult even for a native New Yorker like my dad. There are still construction workers visible all around the building, a think layer of construction dust encases everything in the proximity and the coffee shop is incomplete.

I do not know if my expectations were unreasonable, but I expected the building to be finished when I was ready to move in. To be fair, I do not know much about renovation processes, so for all I know this project has been done quickly, but it still would have been nice to come back to a fully renovated and completed dorm.

Despite this complaint, I am enjoying Stuy immensely and will be fully in love with it once all of the construction work is finished. The other renovations on campus have been nice surprises to return to as well. The new computer lab in Welch is so much more spacious and all of the painting has made the building much more aesthetically pleasing.

I was also excited about the new desktop computers in Beeghly and the new laptops that can be checked out. To my surprise, I have also come to enjoy the fountain. I have loved sitting outside near it and walking by it lit up at night and thought adding bubbles to it was a perfect idea for Day on the Jay.

Overall, I’m really looking forward to a great year. As far as the paper, my staff and I are happy to be delivering news to the campus once again and we will strive to always abide by the high standards we set for ourselves in the spring and to remain the campus community’s main source of news.

We will delve deep into the issues most affecting our campus and quickly and accurately relate the news to you, our sole reason for publishing The Transcript: the reader. Here’s to a great year and an informed campus.

Marissa Alfano
Editor-in-Chief

By Elizabeth Childers
Transcript Oline Editor

“Danger Will Robinson, Danger!”

Okay, you’re not Will Robinson, and I’m not a robot. But I am writing today to warn you about a problem many college students often don’t see coming.
On a daily basis, we are bombarded by activities, clubs, events, campus jobs and classes, and all of them are telling us the same thing: come play with us!
As a freshmen with time on your hands (right now, anyway) or as a senior wanting to get that last taste of college, you may be inclined to.

But the problem here is, too much of a good thing is bad for you.
As a senior this year, I have a full course load (five classes), each with an extensive set of reading and writing to do.

But when my internship over the past summer offered to keep me on to do remote work, I had not realized being a full time student is a full time job (cliché, yes; wrong, no).

Suddenly, I arrive on campus with a ton of school work and three jobs, all of which are demanding more and more hours.

Needless to say, it’s only the third week of school, and I am already so stressed my guts are practicing their Girl Scout knots way into the wee hours of the lawn mower and leaf blowing filled dawn (seriously B&G, do you really have to mow the lawn at eight in the morning?).

So freshmen, before you take on that fourth club, look at your schedule all laid out for the semester.

Look at your course load; make sure you’re able to do all of your homework.

And be realistic.
No one wants to be constantly doing or working on something from the time you wake up until the time you collapse across your desk at 2 a.m. You’re going to want down time to chill and vegetate.

Remember, sometimes it’s okay to say no to the party or no to the extra club.

Seniors, you’re not exempt from this either. I understand the wanting to do everything on campus, thinking you now have time to do the things you passed up the past three (or in some cases for a few of us, two) years.

While it’s great to try knew things, know that though you might be done with school, school is not done with you.

In order to graduate, you still need to go to class, do your homework and stay focused. You’re running so fast for the finish line, you forget to look for the crack in the sidewalk that’ll roll your ankle.

So, my tale of caution to you all, know what you can handle, and don’t stress yourself out by taking on too much. Be a good student. Be an active socialite. Be a good employee. But do what’s best for yourself too.

By Suzanne Samin
Transcript A & E Editor

The entrance to the storage center where my housemates and I kept our belongings this summer is probably one of the easiest turns to miss.

So naturally, I missed it every time I tried to go there. Sometimes I missed it twice – once three times.

I’m not proud of it. I’m not proud of the twenty extra minutes I spent cursing under my breath, or the ten I spent trying to finagle the lock on what was, eventually, realized to be the wrong unit.

And by the third time turning around, I wondered why I even had this storage unit in the first place.

Then I remembered that Ohio Wesleyan’s department of buildings and grounds (B&G) and Residential Life very strictly reinforced several times that all storage boxes and extraneous furniture needed to be moved out of our house so that they could perform a nice, thorough summer cleaning.

After taking time out of finals week to move big armchairs and other types of furniture that had dwelled in our house without interruption for many years, I was ready to come back to a well-deserved clean house.

You can imagine my dismay when I came back to dusty carpets, cobwebbed corners, and moldy bathrooms.

Not only did we all now have to clean three months of neglect off of our house, but also the money and effort we spent moving furniture and reserving a storage unit had all been for naught.

Never in my life did I think that my college would refrain from providing me a clean living space at the beginning of the year.

Then again, never in my life did I think that my college would allow my house to fester and fall apart with repairs only granted after weeks and weeks of repeated work orders.

The fact of the matter is, I pay $38,000 a year to go here (and that is on a scholarship) and I expect to have my house cleaned and maintained over the summer.

I’m graduating this May with tens of thousands of dollars in student loans, and I do not expect to have mold, cobwebs, dust and dirt all over what should be a priority equivalent of a residence hall.

Whenever I tell my friends about this, they say something to the effect that OWU doesn’t care about the SLUs, and that they are all being knocked down in the next couple of years anyway.

So apparently, since Rowland Avenue SLUs are going to be phased out in the near future, it is perfectly acceptable to leave them completely filthy while students are still paying to live there?

I think not.

Is it also acceptable to be penalized because those responsible for maintaining our houses over the summer did not do their job? I think not.

The point is that I should refuse to pay for being neglected, and I should refuse to do someone else’s job for free.

But because my house’s mission means more to me than some potentially really gross situations, I continue to pay and I continue to clean.

However, one thing I will not do is allow this issue to go unacknowledged.

Students live in the SLUs because we care enough about a cause to live it every day.

We care enough to devote some of our time to putting on house projects and interfacing with the community, locally and abroad, in order to make a difference and further our purpose.

We choose communal living not because it’s trendy or fashionable, but because we want to be surrounded by people who care about similar things we do.
So much of the programming that benefits this campus is put on by SLUs.

It comes from college students who plan, budget and stress on top of their academics in order to benefit OWU.

The community service we receive those national accolades for is largely performed and perpetuated by members of the SLU community.
Given these facts, the lack of commitment OWU displays towards the SLUs, down to even so much as keeping our houses clean over the summer, is nothing short of appalling.

You can only miss a turn so many times before it begins to seem intentional.

When do compliments cross the line into harassment?

This is the question that we, as members of the Ohio Wesleyan community, have felt the need to ask ourselves in light of recent incidents, specifically students receiving cat calls on campus.

How does one determine when someone is “just being nice,” and when an incident should be reported?

Many people like receiving compliments, but there is a difference between complimenting someone, as a kind gesture, and deliberately making them feel uncomfortable or objectified.

If someone comments on a part of your body, it is your body and not theirs to judge, especially in a public setting.

You have no need to feel inferior, apologize or thank anyone for unsolicited remarks.

In our culture, people, especially women, are objectified by the mass media and it has infiltrated to all layers of society. People are no longer viewed primarily as individuals with personhood, but rather as simple images that are produced solely to satisfy the viewer.

Nobody, regardless of gender, orientation, race, religion, or body type should feel afraid to walk amongst people in their day to day lives – as if by merely existing they are under constant evaluation.

No person is justified in openly passing judgment on those around them, whether they know the individuals or not.

Those who have felt victimized or objectified in this matter should not be afraid to speak out against those who have wronged them, regardless of that person’s higher age, socioeconomic status, position of power or of any other perceived or socially constructed superiority.

They also should be made aware of resources that exist to combat this kind of behavior and console those who have been affected by it.

Furthermore, no one should feel as if they need to be silent or ashamed of their experiences. Whether it is talking to a friend, advisor, family member or counselor, external processing is important and accessible for those who have suffered any kind of emotional distress.

On campus and in Delaware, there are safe spaces and hotlines that you can utilize if you are ever made to feel unsafe. They are available from the Health Center, the Women’s Resource Center, the LGBTIQ Resource Center and other similar offices on campus.

Additionally, by reporting specific incidents to Public Safety, you can help further campus discussion on these issues, and hold others in our community accountable for their behavior.

Even if you choose to remain anonymous, information about incidents such as these on campus help pave the way to a safer, more constructive environment.

Although we may often feel the need to bend to societal pressure as if nothing can be done to help these issues, what comes to the forefront is the need to educate ourselves and others about issues of objectification, discrimination and harassment.

If you see or hear something that makes you uncomfortable, do not hesitate to report it. If someone comes to you about an incident, encourage him or her to seek help from on-campus and outside resources.

Furthermore, when those around you make comments that can be perceived as discriminatory or objectifying, we encourage you to educate them about the consequences of their use of language.

Action, whether big or small, makes a difference.

Ever thought of spending the summer in the classroom? If not, you should think about it. With the closing of yet another semester I have found myself yearning for the end of the year but not quite ready to leave OWU.

And that’s where summer school comes into play.

Last summer I stayed on campus and took classes, and that one summer made me fall in love with OWU, but more importantly, with the Delaware community. Delaware in the summer months is a completely different experience than what we as students experience while at school.

Classes seem more interesting because there’s less pressure, and the weather offers opportunities to explore new places. With the trees in full bloom and the hot summer sun, campus practically transforms into a cocoon of summer fun with classes. From cookouts to mini blow-up pool parties, OWU has much to give students who choose to spend the summer on campus.

Those students who do stay for summer session form a small community with a tight bond and sense of understanding. They’re here to do work and attempt to take advantage of the summertime fun.

The course selection offered is what makes summer session interesting. Last summer I took the food course and the wine course and learned things that extended my knowledge both in the kitchen and with a local sommelier.

With a minimal class schedule, there was just enough time to explore Delaware and its surrounding parts. The scenery at Blue Limestone Park and the fresh produce at subsistence farms made days exciting.

Last summer one of my greatest finds was the Dairy Depot which provides outdoor seating and a plethora of ice cream treats, hot dogs and other snacks to end a summer’s day. It became a local meeting spot for my fellow school-goers to relax on the benches and end the day.

If you are looking for a place to cool off check out the Delaware State beach, or even better, the pool at Mingo Park.

For just a small fee, Mingo Park offers pool recreation and is fully stocked with water slides.

If the water isn’t your thing, venture off to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. Cedar Point provides a fun amusement park atmosphere with all of the top coasters to go on.

If you have the ability to take summer classes, do it. It has been one of my favorite experiences at OWU and has changed the look of the campus for me.

Yes, campus is empty, but the opportunities in Delaware and on campus are endless.

Dear Editor:

It is regrettable that the Transcript decided to publish a cartoon that is at best ambiguous in its intent and at worst insensitive and offensive to the sensibilities of the residents of one of the finest of our Wesleyan communities, the outstanding students of the Honors House.

The Honors House has had a difficult year; vandalism and acts of destruction of property impacted many of its residents in this, the house’s only second year of existence. Satire, especially of a violent nature, which is targeted at a specific residential facility, is detrimental to the spirit of community we try to foster at Wesleyan.

In short, the residents of the Honors House deserve better than the depiction afforded them in The Transcript. They deserve our recognition, praise, support and steadfast encouragement, and not incoherent and potentially misleading words and art.

I would urge The Transcript to issue a clarification and apology to the members of the Honors House.

Sincerely,
Lee Fratantuono
Associate Professor of Classics

As an almost graduate looking back on this past year, I recall all of the time, hard work and energy I spent preparing for my life after college; my future career.

After applying to several graduate programs, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in mental health counseling in the fall. One thing I learned during the process is that I couldn’t get enough advice. For upcoming seniors, I want to emphasize that it is never too early to begin exploring your options for your future.

Be sure your major is something you are truly interested in, and explore career options incorporating the skills and subject area involved in your major.

As I began planning my future, I spoke with several OWU professors, peers and alumni. Each and every recommendation was helpful—everyone takes a separate path, and it is both interesting and reassuring to realize all of these options exist out in “the real world.”

While this sounds obvious, don’t forget to investigate the opportunities OWU has to offer. Working one-on-one with a professor through directed readings, independent studies, internships, apprenticeships and more can serve to build your resume and provide you with more information and experience than you may think possible.

When exploring your options, be sure to take note of the requirements needed. Some programs require standardized testing, internships, apprenticeships and other experience in the field of interest. Plan ahead for these events, and be sure to prepare adequately to make the most of your time. Make the most of the summer before your senior year.

I also recommend taking advantage of the many resources offered at OWU besides professors, peers and alumni. Career services, the Writing Center, the Academic Skills Center and the Quantitative Skills Center are helpful.
Lastly, I advise you not to stress. While the application process can be intimidating, there are always options. As recent college graduates, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Even if a school, internship or job does not accept you, the process of applying (and possibly interviewing) is an excellent learning opportunity.

With this being said, it is advantageous to have a back-up plan. Many of my peers and family members are planning to spend their upcoming years working for nonprofit, volunteer and government programs to gain enriching life experience while strengthening their resumes.

I wish all of you the best of luck next year, and hope my advice is helpful.

Facebook, twitter, instagram, youtube, flickr, pinterest: Our generation is filled with an overwhelming number of portals in which to share the details of our lives, our memories, our talents, our thoughts and interests, even the minute details of each day.

Sharing what used to be only experienced within close circles has become the expected. A vacation, a wedding, the birth of a family member and birthdays are not to go unpublicized, but are being exploited in order to announce our current joy and to obtain approval in the form of “likes” and comments. I wonder how constricting this social norm is, and what are the consequences of our lost privacy?

When I went to El Salvador over winter break, I dreaded uploading the enormous number of pictures I took onto Facebook. I sat in front of my computer to begin the annoying process of uploading, trying to come up with an original name for the album and tagging the individuals who accompanied me, until I thought, “Wait—why does this feel like an obligation?”

I left the computer astonished at my silliness, but after the vacation was over, I gave in and uploaded my pictures. Otherwise, no one would know it had ever happened and, therefore, my vacation would be pointless.
I say this as a joke, but the reality leaves me uneasy. It is as if special moments are swept away without being documented and shared nowadays. Why do we feel that people have to know and validate the things we experience in order for them to be real?

Experience does not belong to the individual today, but rather to the collective. (I’m sounding like a real sociology student now.) In sharing our moments, we give up our right to them as an individual and enter them into the realm of the public. Facebook even tells us in small print that whatever we post belongs to them.
I worry that, as a generation, we have stopped enjoying moments and focusing on the present because we are too busy snapping shots for later social media publishing; we are too busy tweeting about an event instead of watching it.

As an owner of an iPhone, I can tell you, it is a social disease. Constantly socializing via internet makes us antisocial in real life.

We should go retro and start buying disposable cameras, so we can hang pictures in our room instead of on the internet. We should stop choosing filters on instagram and instead learn how to develop film. We should make personal phone calls instead of status updates, and write letters instead of emails. Going too far?

It is true, social media can be convenient, especially in circumstances of long distance, but I challenge you to deactivate Facebook for at least a week and remember what it was like to only know someone’s personal life from gossip, or preferably, if they tell you themselves.

Remember what it was like to experience something special and have it be your own. I challenge you to fight for your right for a private experience.