Student Says Give Middining a Chance; Problems Will be Solved

Author: Caitlin Prentice

Around campus in the past week, I have heard and read, in the last issue of The Campus, a lot of whining about the state of Dining Services.
Students are upset that menus and hours have changed, that lines are too long, that plates and silverware are running out, essentially that our habitual dining routine has been slightly disrupted. In my opinion, this "bitter, passionate response" (in the words of Sarah McCabe '05) is entirely uncalled for and slightly ridiculous.
Yes, I have been to Ross when they are out of plates and trays, I have been disappointed that I can't find the foods I am used to where I want them to be, and I have fondly remembered weekend brunch in Proctor.
But give Middining a chance! School has only been open for three weeks. It takes a little time to work the kinks out of anything that's new, and that includes dining halls. And if you think you are frustrated about your dining experience, imagine how the staff must feel when they have to deal with all our trivial complaints while trying to get used to working in a new system. I am embarrased that instead of being understanding of small inconveniences during this chaotic transition, we as a student body are making the staff's job more difficult by whinning about it all.
If you really need something to complain about, step back, put things in perspective and be an activist for a more worthy cause than a few inconveniences in the dining hall. I mean, not to sound like my grandma here, but there are people starving in other countries.
And anyways, any problems Middining is having right now are sure to be fixed if you just give them a little time. Organizing and executing the daunting task of feeding 2,000 -plus people every day is not an easy job, and I for one am willing to give Middining the benefit of the doubt in these first few weeks until the new operation becomes routine.

Caitlin Prentice is a sophomore from Traverse City, Michigan.