Students across Ohio University's campus, including myself, are too often in the same situation. We look forward to dinner all day, but sometimes our studies just don't allow any time to get it. We dream of a time we were full of energy, excitement, and more importantly cash. We fantasize of Chipotle and Big Mama's, Wendy's and Jimmy John's and Whit's Frozen Custard, but our dreams soon diminish when we check the status of our bank accounts. And sure, of course, we've paid for a meal plan to relieve this exact issue, but, for some reason, the hours of our beloved dining establishments are limited to eight o'clock at night for a final meal.
When we talk to our past classmates and friends at other schools and they tell us of the Chick-Fil-A and Chipotle they obtain each night, never once draining their personal bank account, you cannot help but wonder, why am I here? Sure, we have the best marching band around, the coolest president in existence (Duane Nellis), and the best journalism school in the country, but really, why can't I use my Flex Points or Bobcat cash at Uptown restaurants?
I, like so many of my peers, came to Ohio University because of its beautiful campus, endless opportunities, and amazing faculty, but when it comes to food, we need more options. Food is a staple of every student's life, and some days it is what keeps you looking forward. Sure, while we love a good brown rice stir fry at Boyd or a cold veggie burger at Nelson, it's hard to really say I look forward to what the dining halls are cooking up for my evening meal. So yeah, some nights I do want a loaded Big Mama's burrito or a cheesy slice of GoodFella's pizza, but I want to use the Flexpoints and Bobcat cash I've spent thousands of dollars on, and not the extra $5 I have shoved away in the bottom of my purse.
So students, next time you are trying to search up the courage to get involved on campus instead of withering away in your textbooks, try promoting an issue that affects us all. We as Bobcats have a civic duty to establish this university-wide, and help the future of Ohio University. Students are angry, uptown restaurants want a contract with Ohio University, and we command equal opportunity for food.
Sheetal Tadiparty
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