Worcester
State University Campus
Currently, Worcester State
University is undergoing some reconstruction to its buildings and parking
situation. This doesn’t allow for smooth operating on campus, in fact quite the
contrary, chaos. The library is getting a exterior facial completed that should
take a few more weeks, but it’s frustrating nonetheless, seeing as that there
is only one entrance to the facility. Avoiding herds of students isn’t ideal
for me, but it will be over soon. Another annoying situation on campus is the
parking. A faculty parking lot that holds approximately 200 cars is under
construction, so this leaves for even less room for students to park, much less
faculty. There is a 6 story parking garage which help tremendously, but even
with that its tight, and it’s advisable to show up at least 30 minutes before
class because it might take that long to find a spot to park. Soon the athletic
complex will go under the knife, and the way I see it, this will only create
more chaos on campus, but it’s all for the long run, and maintaining
infrastructure is always important. This doesn’t mean it’s isn’t frustrating as
the process progresses.
One
interesting aspect about WSU I learned this week at the annual sustainability
fair, is that WSU is continually and progressively making progress towards a
“green” campus type environment. The LRC building currently has 540 solar
panels, which controls approximately 15%-20% of the campus’ power. This is with
out a doubt a step in the right direction, not only for the people apart of the
WSU community, but the City of Worcester itself. Another fun fact about WSU’s
steps towards preserving out natural resources and the environment is, for at
least four years now; they have got rid of “food treys” in the chow hall. Over
50,000 treys had to be washed every month, and when we calculate those numbers,
that’s a lot of water, time, and energy consumed just for food treys. I thought
that this was a magnificent step towards creating and influencing good green
economic standards that needs to be in our future of sustainment. WSU should be
proud of its progress towards a better living and campus environment, along with
setting a great example for kids and generations to come.
Moreover, WSU
seems to be very good about inviting guest speakers/experts to lecture about
important topics and issue that will benefit and educate the students of the
diverse university. I had the opportunity to listen, and meet Brain Skerry, and
National Geographic Oceanographer, speak about his experiences with his job,
putting the chaos of nature in perspective, and also our impact on the natural
environment. I believe this to be extremely important opportunities that
students need to take advantage of while they can. Soaking in as much
information and listening to important messages from experts should be an
important step in the young minds developing process, and I think students
should take it without thinking twice about it. I did, and I learned a lot.
But, unfortunately, young college students aren’t very interesting in academia besides
the mandatory work they have to do. Usually on their free time it’s spent
socializing, tweeting, drinking, and having sex. Those aren’t’ bad things
necessarily, I just think more time can be spent expanding one’s education on
their own time. But it’s a free country, right? We do as we please.
One last thing
about this time of year (Fall) on the Worcester State campus is that due to its
progression in green infrastructure, along with the campus’ abundant greenery,
It’s a very pleasant atmosphere to be consumed in. I would highly recommend
attending WSU, but only if you want exception professors, a comfortable atmosphere,
and a great student environment. J
