It is only natural that, as graduation grows close, I reflect upon what I did and did not do during my four years here. Thankfully, I have very few regrets, save a few papers that I should have spent more time on. I came in as an intimidated freshman, worried about Hopkins' "cutthroat" reputation. I'm graduating proud of my academic achievements and extracurricular contributions.
After spending four years on this campus, I've seen what Hopkins does well, but also recognize what's missing. I know that no institution can be perfect, but since this is my last column (ever!), I will take this opportunity to imagine an ideal Johns Hopkins:
Academically: A mandatory independent study requirement to encourage students to explore topics that interest them. Enforcement of the $80 stipend for professors and students to have dinner outside of the classroom. An updated registrar system, equipped with a Web site that doesn't foil students' chances of getting into the classes they want. Major advisors that care about their undergraduates and monitors their progress more closely, holding than just a brief meeting once a semester. Better air circulation in the library. A longer reading period and enforcement of no classes or exams during that period. An improved ACE guide, in which the course evaluation surveys ask questions more pertinent to the courses offered. Access to the registrar's Web site 24 hours a day, not just 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Keep Intersession at least three weeks long so students can take courses, travel, or do research. More electric outlets in all classrooms for laptop computers.
Socially: Mandatory community service requirement that forces students to understand the many problems that plague Baltimore. More enthusiastic cheers from the crowd at lacrosse games. A social calendar that all student groups use to post events. A bigger Shriver. A 24-hour dining area. Sneak-peek movies. Large-scale class unity activities (think Senior Dinner, but more frequent and not always just for food). RAs who are interested in enriching residential life, rather than simply policing it. Continuing the Summer Films series on the Gilman Quad during the fall. More meeting spaces for student groups aside from classrooms. Bigger budget for student groups, especially those that are serving the community in some way.
Miscellaneous necessities: A better fiction section in the library. A full-service post office. Security vans that will pick you up within five minutes, rather than making you wait half an hour. A nore user-friendly HopkinsNET. More student interaction with President Brody. A convenience store/pharmacy in Charles Village. A budget to pay for a graduation speaker whom seniors really want to listen to. More accessible advisors in the Career and Counseling Centers. Free student parking options. Free major newspapers -- think the New York Times -- in the Fresh Food Caf8e and Nolan's on 33rd.
What most disappoints me is that I could have worked to make some of my ideas a reality. A university is only as strong as the students in it. We contribute to the vitality of campus life, and help shape the future of this school. Hopkins flourishes not just because of the academic success of its students, but because of their assertiveness, responsibility and patience.
Change comes slowly in an institution as large as Hopkins, but size hasn't stifled student innovation. As I reflect on the progress Hopkins has already made since I entered as a freshman, I know that improvements to student life are within reach. I only hope that future generations of undergrads will continue to strive for improvements to campus life.
In a sense, I'm almost bitter seeing the newly-carpeted AMRs, our improved food service, bigger bookstore, tighter security and a more lively Charles Village. I regret that I'm leaving this university just as it is on the brink of so much positive change. But I'm excited to return to campus for future homecomings.
Hopkins has a history of churning out motivated and intelligent leaders. As long as undergraduates invest real effort into improving their community, that trend can only continue for the better.
It's been quite the ride, Hopkins. Thanks.
- - Carey Polis is a senior Writing Seminars major from Bethesda, Md.
