residents

Is BSU Healthy Enough?

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by Ryan Munns on February 13, 2012

It seems as though the whole world seems to be on a “health kick-” and it’s definitely noticeable here at Bridgewater State. Every year more and more students are becoming vegetarians- or at least choosing to eat healthy. Such choices are almost always positive decisions, but does that mean the students who don’t eat salad or veggie burgers at every meal are in the wrong?

I don’t think so.

We’re all adults here and because of that, we all should know the pros and cons of our food choices. If you want to eat incredibly healthy, then go for it. If you want to eat burgers and fries, by all means, suit yourself. Students should be able to choose for themselves. That all being said, there is always room for improvements to be made.

1. SWITCH IT UP

First off, I don’t think BSU should cut any meals that are on the menu in favor of healthier options. We all pay a ton of money for our meal plans so we should have a variety of options. However, they should definitely add more healthy options to the menu. Sure, Bridgewater has salad bars, fruit, whole grain breads, and a few lot fat options, but I’m sure there are more options that could be explored. Maybe add some organic options and healthier, low fat versions of the same food and meals (ex: GRILLED chicken cutlet sandwich instead of the usual fried chicken finger favorite).

2. GIVE US THE FACTS

BSU is already helping students make healthier meal selections by publishing the calorie count next to all items at dining halls like ECC and Tilly, but they could probably take that one step further. Maybe if they advertised the healthier foods using fliers, email newsletters, or social media, they could encourage students to break out of their usual “fries and pizza” routine.

3. DINING HALLS, Y U NO OPEN?!

Have you ever got out of class at 9:50 and headed to ECC, Tilly, or Bear’s Den for breakfast  just to find that they’re not serving breakfast anymore? In fact, the’re preparing lunch. 10am is a little early for lunch in my opinion. 10-11am is still a great time for breakfast and that way students can get a bagel or some fruit at ECC instead of a donut and coffee from Dunkin Donuts.

 

Do you think BSU needs more healthy food options? Should the dining hall hours be extended? Have you ever wondered how many calories are in that lunch of yours?

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The Battle of the Garage

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by Ryan Munns on February 7, 2012

I’m sure you all have noticed that since the beginning of this school year BSU has been working hard to assemble the massive parking garage located on the east side of campus. It seems as though the structure was built almost in the blink of an eye and is set to open up within a month’s time. While most of the work is being wrapped up, there is an issue that is still at the top of everyone’s mind: WHO is going to get the parking garage?

THE FACTS

Originally the garage was built with the intention of having commuters use it. This would open up the other commuter lots on campus to residents. While not all commuter lots would be converted, most would leave commuters on some days with no choice but to use the garage. The new 840-parking space garage seems like a great idea at first, but are we sure it’s best suited for commuters?

COMMUTER PROS

  • no more fighting for open spots (well… until the garage fills up on a busy Monday morning, that is…)
  • no more shoveling off/out your car on an unexpectedly snowy day
  • safer walking conditions for pedestrians- less cars to watch out for

COMMUTER CONS

  • losing out on all their other lots- including the coveted Lower Great Hill lot
  • is 840 parking spots enough for a school that’s nearly two-thirds commuters?
  • huge traffic jams at the garage entrances/exits during rush hours
  • 840 commuter cars + a dark, confined space = LOTS of accidents

MY STAND

After weighing both sides of the argument, I think I’ve made up my mind. I think the parking garage should go to the residents. With Freshmen not allowed to have cars on campus there are far fewer spots needed for the residents on this campus then the commuters. The biggest factor in my decision is what I said in the cons, imagine the traffic jam! If commuters are constantly going in and out of the garage in massive herds then it can get backed up, slow and dangerous.

If residents parked in the garage, their cars would mostly stay there during the week, and it would be much easier for residents to move their cars in and out. In addition to that, giving residents the parking garage would free up many more spaces in the parking lots for commuters. Oh, and you can’t forget how much it would help out the plows when the snow comes around (if it’s ever going to…).

 

Who do you think should get the parking garage? If you are a commuter, do you fear it will get too crowded coming in and going out? Is there enough parking on campus?

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5 Lessons We Learned From Kids Books

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by Michelle_Belle6 on October 6, 2011

Do you remember your favorite book or author as a kid? I remember mine. It was and still is Dr. Seuss. From time to time, when I listen to a professor drone on about “required readings,” I think back to the simpler days of children’s books. They were easy to understand and always gave us a life lesson. Some of those life lessons can even be applied today…in college. Yes, in college…you heard me.

Curious George by H.A. Rey

This book is about a monkey (George) who often gets into troublesome adventures. The story teaches readers that it can be helpful to have a friend to bail you out of trouble. In George’s case he has “The Man with The Yellow Hat.” In our case, it may be a close friend or roommate.

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Who doesn’t remember this book? Disney turned it into a movie years later, but both versions send the same message. The author tells readers that odd things happen in the world. AND, it’s okay to daydream. I think we are all thankful to have the ability to daydream, especially on Monday mornings, when we don’t want to face reality.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Without a doubt, this book was one of Dr. Seuss’ darker undertakings as author. He writes about the plight of the environment and the threat of industrialization. I think commuters and residents alike are feeling the industrialized dilemma this semester with all of the construction going on around campus. I, for one, would love to have some parking spaces back.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

We all read this book at some point in middle school or at least heard about Shel Silverstein. This author writes about a tree that is self-sacrificing. The tree constantly provides a young boy with whatever he wants. As the boy grows older, the tree has nothing left to offer the boy except his stump. This book teaches readers that sometimes you have to be selfless. As students, we’re so absorbed in classes, work and our social lives. It’s nice every once in a while to think about someone or something else.

Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

This book has been around for years. It follows the story of a cap salesman. One day, monkeys steal all of his caps. The salesman loses it when he finds the caps gone and yells at the monkeys. Eventually, he gets his caps back, but I think this book teaches us to keep our calm in times of chaos. Finals, anyone?

 

What’s your favorite children’s book? What did you learn from it? 

 

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