Notes from the Desk

Author: Sonja Pedersen Green

Don't get me wrong; there are a lot of Febs that I love dearly. However, I think one of the things Middlebury College seriously overlooked when designing the Feb program is their placement in upperclassmen housing.

Febs are first-year students, and as first-years, especially new first-years, they are prone to the characteristics that typify those their age. They are excited, to say the least - as I certainly was upon my arrival at Middlebury College - but in some cases, I think their excitement is a little long lasting. Most of the upperclassmen I know spend a lot of time on homework - the Febs that I have met this year, and those that live near me, don't seem to have settled in to the pattern typical of a Midd-kid. The Febs who live near me have channeled their seemingly boundless energy into consuming copious amounts of alcohol and marijuana at all times of the day and night and all days of the week.

Now, I enjoy socialization, and generally spend one weekend night attending parties where alcohol is consumed, but there is something wrong with engaging in these activities loudly on, say, a Tuesday at 11 a.m. or, even worse, at 2 a.m. and disturbing the peaceful slumber of the upperclassman next door. I personally, do not enjoy working on a midterm paper while the Febs next door blare music loudly and drink a "40."

Living in an upperclassmen dorm is a completely disparate experience from that of a first-year dorm. Gone are the days of constant socialization and attempting to find your niche. Instead, we are more focused, in general, on succeeding in the place we have made for ourselves in this diverse community. I realize they are first-years and that they have just flown the coop, but when they are living intermingled with upperclassmen just trying to make it through their homework for the week, I just wish they could be a little more courteous about their activities and attempt to blend in just a little more.

It's highly probable that not all Febs are like the Febs on my hall. I am sure there are Febs who mire themselves in work even more than I do. And, perhaps in my old age I am turning crotchety and should be more appreciative of the youth of my neighbors. However, rude behavior can only be tolerated for so long. First-year Febs, it's time to grow up.