First Impressions of EMU

Free. Parking.

Forget the fancy rock-climbing wall, the gorgeous indoor track, the cool student-run coffee house, or the amazing opportunities for international travel - I don't have to pay for parking! EMU students, you don't know how good you have it.

Two weeks into my first semester at Eastern Mennonite University, I still haven't recovered from the news that not only is parking free, but that parking spaces are readily available all over campus. After taking a few semesters off from college, I transferred to EMU this spring to finish my Communication degree. I come from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, where parking is one controversial (and expensive) campus issue I'm glad to leave behind.

Most of my first week at EMU was spent navigating the halls of unfamiliar buildings, buying textbooks, finalizing student loans, and adjusting to my hour-long commute. No time for anything fun. Since I won't be getting the full four-year EMU experience, I want to spend my time wisely. So my question to you is, What are the essential EMU student experiences? What not-to-be-missed events should I add to my schedule? What does Harrisonburg have to offer from a student perspective? Is it worth my venturing out?

The fact that I am writing this article for an independent, student-run newspaper is new and exciting. I know firsthand the challenges of writing for a publication that is controlled by the administration or public relations department. Students on this campus should take advantage of the opportunity to express their opinions and concerns in The Weather Vane. The experience of writing in itself is beneficial to any major (think resume) and when used to its full potential, a student newspaper can fuel positive changes in the community.

The availability of free or low-cost counseling services is something else that impresses me. Not all college students have access to such a valuable resource, and I hope EMU students in need are taking advantage of them.

I started my college career believing I would major in dance. Even after my plans changed I continued to add dance courses to my schedule every semester at SU. EMU's lack of a dance department will be a difficult adjustment for me, although I have noticed that ballet classes are being offered in the fitness center. And I do bring my own experience as an Irish Step dancer to EMU - anyone want to learn a jig or a reel?

No matter which campus I am on, there are some things that will probably never change, at least not anytime soon. Students will always complain about the high cost of textbooks. Professors (with the exception of a techno-savvy few) will always struggle to operate the audio-visual equipment in their classrooms. And two frequently heard questions will always be "Did you do the reading?" and "Do we have a quiz today?".

As I settle in at EMU I hope to meet new people and learn more about the campus. So if you see me, campus map in hand, changing parking spaces (just because I can), please say hello.