Mad About Midd Taking aim on College St.

Author: DAVE BARKER





If you're expecting an analysis of the Middle East or another criticism of FEMA in the paragraphs to follow, find a newsstand. My expertise on world affairs, like the grass in between Atwater Halls A and B, is in short supply. This column aims to be more about Old Chapel than the Grand Old Party. What happens on Voter lawn might make it here, but certainly not the latest celebration on the presidential lawn in D.C.

As the name suggests, I'm mad about Middlebury. Like puns? I do too, and that's why I'm crazy about some aspects of college life and agitated about others. Complaining about something at Middlebury should be done with reservation, as the privilege of going to a college on a hill in New England shouldn't be taken lightly. But if I notice something awry, I'll write about it without hesitation.

I like a lot of things about this school. I get excited every September when I come in on Route 7 south from the airport and Mead Chapel's steeple appears for the first time through the trees. The sadness of a vanishing summer loses its sting when the College comes into view. Speaking of the view west, I like sunsets from John McCardell Bicentennial Hall and the calming influence of the night sky after getting the boot from the library at 1 a.m.

As much as the workload can overwhelm, I like Middlebury's academics. I like seeing the class list for the first time each semester and wondering, if they have add-cards for an eighth course. I like professors that keep their doors open and don't adhere to office hours. I like discussion sections that make you forget the professor is in the room.

I came to college with the foolish idea that I would be attending a resort. And so, I enjoy the time spent outside the classroom. I like all-campus barbecues, Weybridge house dinners, football and wiffleball on Battell Beach and Friday afternoons. I like being able to go on a run and get stuck behind a manure truck. I like knowing that several of the firefighters and ambulance volunteers are Middlebury students.

As you can tell, I am happy here. But, that doesn't mean there aren't noticeable faults. I don't like the divisions social houses create, cell phones in academic buildings or dining halls, or "Middlebury bubble" blabber when newspapers are in most dining halls. "Coursepacks" also bug me. Guest lists should be for city clubs, not campus parties. I think students should be able to get to know the administration in Old Chapel better.

Coming from out West, I can't stand off-campus storage sheds, a lack of a college shuttles from the airport and the annual e-mail from the Commons dean: "Students may not arrive prior to the Saturday before classes."

After being abroad last spring, the transition back to Middlebury has made me eager to become reacquainted and ask questions that have been on my mind. I'll focus on College Street, not Wall Street.