From the Opinion Editor's Desk:Mass Movements Toward Minervas
Alexis Smith
Issue date: 4/29/09 Section: Opinions
Readers,
It has come to my attention that a large majority of the student population believes that the Minerva system is failing. I am shocked and dismayed to hear this claim. While the Minervas may not always operate to accommodate the specific needs of each and every student with a single event, they do whatever they can to meet the desires of the large majority. Minerva houses are vital to the progression of this campus and are instrumental in providing the students of Union College with a sense of control over the activities that go on as well as a gathering place for friends and peers to explore (both) old and new interests.
As a new member of my Minerva house council, I recently came into the process a Minerva novice, only with the idea in my head that I wanted to help influence the house and the campus community in a positive manner and increase attendance at events. Walking into an unchartered territory like a council meeting seemed rather intimidating and formulaic to me, but upon entering the meeting, I received nothing but kindness and open mindedness. The meetings, while structured, are done so in order to create an atmosphere of equal representation of ideas. Each meeting, council members are asked if they have any ideas for new events, if they have heard of any need or desire for a unique event, or if they have any innovative ideas to help better previously held events. Not only that, but council also discusses event propositions that have been recommended by other members of the school population and brainstorms ways to make these events happen. It is a very respectful and creative experience.
The goal of the Minervas is to cater to the interests of the students. The council generally tries to plan events that introduce culture, intellect, and fun to the campus community. These events are set up for you, the students, to take advantage of. If you are not a fan of Gossip Girl Mondays, there are still a ton of different events that you can stop into and explore. Events that offer diverse food from different regions of the world or simply delicious pancakes when the clock strikes midnight, dinner and discussion with prestigious authors or pizza parties with friends while blasting The Beatles, dances parties, game nights, trips to the theater, ALL of these events are open to YOU, so why not take advantage of them?
It has come to my attention that a large majority of the student population believes that the Minerva system is failing. I am shocked and dismayed to hear this claim. While the Minervas may not always operate to accommodate the specific needs of each and every student with a single event, they do whatever they can to meet the desires of the large majority. Minerva houses are vital to the progression of this campus and are instrumental in providing the students of Union College with a sense of control over the activities that go on as well as a gathering place for friends and peers to explore (both) old and new interests.
As a new member of my Minerva house council, I recently came into the process a Minerva novice, only with the idea in my head that I wanted to help influence the house and the campus community in a positive manner and increase attendance at events. Walking into an unchartered territory like a council meeting seemed rather intimidating and formulaic to me, but upon entering the meeting, I received nothing but kindness and open mindedness. The meetings, while structured, are done so in order to create an atmosphere of equal representation of ideas. Each meeting, council members are asked if they have any ideas for new events, if they have heard of any need or desire for a unique event, or if they have any innovative ideas to help better previously held events. Not only that, but council also discusses event propositions that have been recommended by other members of the school population and brainstorms ways to make these events happen. It is a very respectful and creative experience.
The goal of the Minervas is to cater to the interests of the students. The council generally tries to plan events that introduce culture, intellect, and fun to the campus community. These events are set up for you, the students, to take advantage of. If you are not a fan of Gossip Girl Mondays, there are still a ton of different events that you can stop into and explore. Events that offer diverse food from different regions of the world or simply delicious pancakes when the clock strikes midnight, dinner and discussion with prestigious authors or pizza parties with friends while blasting The Beatles, dances parties, game nights, trips to the theater, ALL of these events are open to YOU, so why not take advantage of them?
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