Students’ Views

Wow. It feels SO great to be back at Southwestern. I’m not even sure how to put it into words.

I mean, don’t get me wrong, being home this summer was nice. But there was this implied sentiment three weeks ago when I moved my stuff into my new apartment here, that I wouldn’t live at home again. I guess it’s all part of growing up, I just never thought I’d get here.

But that is all besides the point. What IS exciting is being back! We’ve only had a week of classes but, boy, I’ve hit the ground running.

I actually was able to move back a little over a week before classes started because Alpha Delta Pi helped out with the first years’ move-in on the 14th. That gave me plenty of time to do some serious nesting in my beautiful apartment in the new Dorothy Manning Lord Center. This year, I’m getting to participate in a program called the Civic Engagement/Green Hall. Basically, I get to live with a bunch of awesome friends that all believe in similar ideals: sustainability, self-sufficiency, living simply. Not to mention, cooking amazing organic feasts. (I am SO full of beautiful whole wheat pancakes right now as I type.)

But legitimately, we’re already working on some great projects. Last week we built compost bins next to the on-campus garden. AND in addition to the compost we produce, we’ve convinced the Commons to give us their daily food waste and are hoping to get all of the on-campus apartments involved as well. We’re going to have more compost than we know what to do with! (But I can definitely think of worse problems.) I’ll be sure to put up some pictures soon!

The highlight of the last week, however, came last night. A group of friends from the SU chapter of the Student Peace Alliance carpooled to the Austin Bat Festival in downtown Austin where none other than THE FLOBOTS played a concert for five dollars. Needless to say, it was AMAZING. The crowd was pumped for the charged and inspirational message that the Colorado band was pumped to deliver. You’ve probably heard their single “Handlebars” on the radio, but if you’ve never listened to the rest of their album, Fight With Tools, it’s a must have. Their songs empower America’s youth, calling us to work for peace by holding our leaders (and ourselves) accountable. They’ve also formed a non-profit organization, promoting grassroots social activism, flobots.org.

Tonight we’re having an intense SEAK planning meeting to set out our goals for the coming year before our kick off meeting on Thursday. I’m hoping we’ll all get pumped up for raising awareness for national environmental issues while really making a difference in the sustainability policies of Southwestern.

Meanwhile, I have so much homework to do this afternoon to get ready for this week. It’s amazing how you always get less done on long weekends. Better go make some coffee and get started…