The Observer, February 25, 2005
Volume XXXVII, Issue 19
Free Speech Zone: Students should appreciate the small gestures
To the Editor:
Last week, Joshua Zarowitz drafted a letter to the editor describing his general distaste with Case's attempt to ingratiate itself to him. Having only really experienced the university secondhand, I feel it necessary to provide an alternate perspective on the situations he detailed. You are privileged to be attending a university that not only can provide you with a strong education in an array of fields, but can deliver various cultural and social entertainment as well, WRUW, cheap tickets to Severance, affiliations with both CMA and UH (two outstanding Cleveland institutions), wireless capabilities, an athletics department, Lexis-Nexis, the occasional free lunch, and what's this now?...a card for turning 21? Some colleges are too concerned with staying open to waste the stationery. Are you aware that a degree from Case holds weight within the academic community? Do you realize the national acclaim held by a decent amount of your faculty members?
Oh, and about the treacherous city of Cleveland. Wealthy colleges across the country deal with the same problem with local poorer citizens. Perhaps you've heard of "the haves vs. the have-nots?" That's when a wealthy oasis imports opportunity-laden individuals, fills them with knowledge necessary to advance in society, and then sees them off to greener pastures. The poorer individuals, who will most likely not make it to college, Joshua, get to see this other world everyday, every year. Some of these folks get angry and yes, some even get violent. It's a shame, but it happens.
As for your statement on enslavement, ignorance is enslavement.
Have you ever spent time with a member of the administration? They aren't faceless "corporate" pawns bent on exploiting your naive parents' bulging pockets. They are hardworking individuals, some even caring individuals, who attempt to balance the daily professional responsibilities befitting a serious institution of higher education with what I would argue is a genuine interest in establishing a rapport with the students. Naturally, they can't give you their full attention, because honestly, that's not their job.
The university doesn't have to please you, but an attempt was made. They aren't going to personally draft a letter to each individual student, commending them on the momentous feat of ageing, but someone at some time thought it would be nice to offer a congratulatory note to the student body. Someone set up the automated program to distribute a card. They didn't have to, and I'm sure they expect you to throw it away. Perhaps, next time, instead of lamenting your good fortune you should investigate this "Sue" character. Find out who she is and what else it is she busies herself doing... for you.
Karin Smith
CIA Alumna
