I've noticed most articles I write a critique instead of a compliment and so do several of the features I stumble across on Odyssey -- especially relating to college. I believe we should scrutinize problems and set forth to fix them.
But, our school newspaper Editor in Chief encouraged the copy editors (including me) to have three good things to say every time we criticize something. While often we do not follow through with this rule, I thought I would test the waters with Odyssey.
Recently, I put out an article critiquing six aspects of Taylor University. Now, I will follow up with 18 blessings Taylor gives students that I take for granted.
1. They let us do free laundry.
Six washers and dryers await us downstairs. The only thing we have to pay is time.
2. Campus always has something to do.
Even if we do not join a particular club, we can still enjoy a baseball game, then head over to watch a free student-directed production, and finish the night with an open house with our brother floor.
3. We do not have mandatory chapels.
One of my largest frustrations with my high school was they made the chapel every week mandatory. Students at Taylor respect the option to go to the three-a-week meetings, and often they have a high attendance.
4. We have plenty of traditions.
From the weird watermelon tag Wengatz puts on in the fall to the ultimate lip sync battle, Taylor has more tradition than a "Fiddler on the Roof" production.
5. I will see someone I know whenever I walk across campus.
The beauty of attending a 2,000-student school.
6. Our PAs and DAs do so much for us.
Quick definitions for you non-Taylorites
1. PA - like an RA, but they do so much more (they practically run the floor/wing, plan events, etc.)
2. DA - they have a once-a-week wing/floor church, and are here to help our spiritual growth.
Not to mention, they do it for little or no pay (DA isn't paid, according to a former DA).
7. Our teachers genuinely care for the students.
Most have offered to help students outside of class.
8. Floormates genuinely care about each other.
You know everyone's name on your floor (or wing for some halls).
9. Our new Dining Commons managers listen to the students.
They sent out surveys to the students and take requests to heart. In one instance, they expanded the operating hours another half hour for dinner to accommodate early eaters.
10. Students get creative with activities outside of Taylor.
Because we live (basically) in a corn field, not too many hubs of activity surround us. This makes trips to Walmart as a wing or cast parties at i-Hop all the more special.
11. Age hardly matters.
Besides the fact seniors get to live off campus and freshman have O-groups, age really doesn't play much of a role here. I have 18-year-old and 30-year-old friends who attend Taylor.
12. We have access to a health center nearby.
And, they can provide an excused absence if you feel sick.
13. So many people love C.S. Lewis.
One of my favorite authors! We have a center for him here and everything!
14. We have beautiful sunrises here.
15. Several majors allow students to do internships.
Because it's so hard to crack into the job industry today, many majors at Taylor require students to do an internship (or student-teaching) of some sort.
16. Several dorms have "mascots."
We have a green dog on ours called "Sandy."
17. We have so many opportunities for spiritual growth.
Chapels, service projects, and bro-sis worship just scratch the surface.
18. You learn about so many other states (and countries).
People will travel to Taylor from home anywhere from 5 minutes to a 16-hour plane ride. Now, I want to visit so many of these hometowns I hear about.
