Student musicians praised for "great performances"
Congratulations to the Music Department for the abundance of great performances during the past several weeks. An exciting jazz band, masterful concert band, and joyful group of singers and instrumentalists at the Renaissance Dinner have produced several evenings of delight. The positive reactions of the audiences are testimony to the success of the productions resulting from the hard work and talent of both faculty and students involved. We should all be proud that Washington College can boast about its very fine artistic traditions.
Karen L Smith
Professor, Department of Physical Education
I'm writing in response to last week's article concerning the retention rate of the Washington College community, in particular to a few of the quoted comments made by students: "This place is way too small." "There's simply nothing to do here." I think the more I look over what was said, the more ticked off I get. I'm sorry, but if you think there's absolutely nothing happening on campus, then it's your own fault for not being observant.
The college has over 50 clubs and organizations to become involved with, not to mention the various drama, choir, reading, discussion, and other social events that flood many students' schedules. As far as this "place" being "too small," again, that idea is one's own fault and the college shouldn't be blamed for it - indirectly or directly. When considering an institution to study at, typically you visit and can make your personal preferences from those experiences. If one knew how the campus was set-up, where it was located, and what was offered, and still remained unsatisfied, why go here? It just doesn't make sense to me.
I, for one, have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent here at WC and am saddened by the prospect of my graduating next year. But I think that primarily has to do with my becoming involved on campus - instead of simply going to classes, doing the assigned work, and then putzing around in the dorm or watching TV. Speaking of which, I don't think I have regularly watched my TV since freshman year; it's pretty much become my new bookshelf holding up many volumes of theory, and criticism (not to mention the complete poems and works of John Milton) for my classes. I think it's that little box in the corner, sitting in a nest of what looks like hundreds of papers either to be turned in, re-edited, or filed.
Freshman year: perhaps that is the problem some individuals are encountering if they believe WC to be a small and boring school with "easy" classes. Well, correct me if I am wrong, but one's first year at ANY school is going to be relatively simple. As time progresses, the course work becomes more complicated and extensive. Like I said, this goes for any institution, and I think blaming ours for such an occurrence is unjust. Try attending five classes, writing nine papers, completing six presentations, doing countless hours of reading, attending numerous club and organization meetings, aiding in the actual planning of these events, organizing an Independent Major and working with faculty to gain its approval, compiling an annotated biography to put to print before the semester's end, all while trying to keep your sanity. If you think all of this is easy, then you're right, you definitely don't belong at Washington College.
Nicole Mancini
Class of 2001
300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782