An Open Letter to Campus Life

An informal survey by Smith Hall residents indicates that 90% of residents feel that we should gain back access to our lounge. At the beginning of the spring semester, Smith Hall gained residents from the Patrick High School. Those students have now taken over Smith's first floor, including the bathrooms and lounge area.

They have also been using our laundry room and even broke one of two of our dryers. However, that is a topic for another time. The lounge area has always been special to me and my fellow residents. I understand that the high school students are now living with us, and they deserve their space. 

However, the lounge should not be just theirs to use. I propose that all residents of Smith Hall should be allowed to use the lounge area to study and hang out. I have spoken with my fellow Smith Residents on campus, and they have expressed their anger and displeasure over the loss of our lounge. There have been a great number of Smith Hall college students who use that spacious area to study, especially for finals. My group of friends and I would have a study party every day of finals week in the lounge due to the quietness it provides. 

The Patrick students seem never to use the lounge they have been given. I go outside very often and always look in the lounge to see if anyone uses it; I have yet to see it in use. Therefore, my fellow residents and I believe it would be beneficial for all of us to use our lounge area. If it is not possible, I request that we get an alternate space for only Smith residents to enjoy in the hall or close to it. The Centenary University website says, “Quiet study areas are available” to all Smith residents.  So, we Smith residents deserve to have that space available.  

Thank you,

Carlee Nigro, Smith Hall Resident