From day one, we've been indoctrinated into buying the propaganda that all is perfect in the Dartmouth bubble. Everyday. All the time. But the more time I spend on campus, the more I realize that contrary to what the DOC would have us believe, people here at Dartmouth do not defecate rainbows and butterflies.
Likewise, I've since come to terms that our campus isn't all that perfect and many others have thought the same. We just shroud our private ideas and personal opinions under the multiple layers that we, as human beings, put on. Suggestions for a better Dartmouth are buried under the disguises that we wear in public upon leaving the safety of our dorms. Those little thoughts and blurbs that silently float through our heads but we dismiss and forget they say a lot about who we are, our values and our priorities.
So in reporting for this article, it wasn't surprising to see just how many students had already thought of changing Dartmouth and who had those silent blurbs that begin with "If I could, I would change " floating in their heads already. But ask and ye shall receive a glimpse into the inner mind of a Dartmouth student.
If it is true that our private thoughts are, by definition, testaments to what we normally think about, then it is not surprising to hear the primary concerns of the Dartmouth populace. I heard one girl respond immediately without another second of thought. Not about the medical services, or academics, but the drinking age. She said it should be lowered. I insisted that she minor in Public Policy.
Yet, other perspectives are controversial. Jake Leichtling '14, who, on the surface, seems to be speaking about the pleasures of littering but is actually speaking of the pleasure of the Dartmouth experience notes that "there is something so satisfying about crushing a Keystone Light in your hand and throwing it wherever you want. I love the frat system."
Carinna Arvizo '14 agrees, supporting "the shittiness of the frat basements. I like it," she said. "I just wish they would clean their toilets so I wouldn't have to walk all the way to Novack to use the bathroom when I'm out fratting."
Then there are those whose concerns revolve not around Greek life or sanitation but around food. Taha Adib '14, feels that "food is way too expensive; lines are too long." I share his sentiments.
While some complained about all the people in the dining halls, others noticed how its always easiest to get lost in the crowds.
Scott Nelson '14, who said he used to suffer from chronic loneliness, wants "mandatory buddies for lunch and dinner cause when I go to dinner alone, I feel like a loser."
Others still have other problems with DDS, namely having to pay for food.
"Camp Dartmouth is over! Food used to be free, man," Steve Prager '14 said. "Now I actually have to sit through a lecture to get food. This is ridiculous." I think Steve speaks for all of us '14s. On a side note, I introduced Steve to the Free Food bulletin on Blitz.
Then, there are the crusaders of serious social issues. Jeremy Thibodeau, a '14 living in East Wheelock, spoke at length about the #1 issue at Dartmouth, namely "the people who need to learn to appreciate what they have." Halfway through his eloquent speech, Jeremy realized a more critical issue at hand.
"What we really need is someone to lightsaber duel the Sun God."
It's always interesting to catch a glimpse into the private minds of the Dartmouth student. People spend so much time silently brewing in their own thoughts; it's a rare opportunity to sight the inner workings of the Dartmouth mind. You simply learn so much about a person from asking so little.
Case in point: the curious mind of Charlie Laud '14 "What about Dartmouth would I change? Its diaper! OHHHH!"
