Dan DaranciangFlame grilled hamburgers and fresh fries (not Subway) from Big Joe at the Rat; Ike’s Place; the original Eliot tower; Center Court with real cafeteria style tables (instead of those oval ones and the non-functional WU chairs); WILD with kegs; a dark, dingy Bear’s Den with what seemed like only eight tables.
In four years these famous (and not so famous) Wash U institutions have gone or changed dramatically. In a few short days, I will be leaving the University as well and as I engage in the customary nostalgia sessions with friends, I realize how much this place has changed since I arrived in August 2001.
At first all these changes or perhaps improvements saddened me, as it made me think that students here now or those to come will not appreciate the wild, crazy, and sometimes greasy traditions and places that have made my experience here, and that of those before me, so memorable. But after looking back at photo albums and scrapbooks and recounting stories like the time a friend swiped a cheese Danish from Bear’s Den (the name will be kept anonymous to protect the identity of a fellow graduate) I have come to the conclusion that it’s okay and even necessary for Wash U to change – as long as students take ownership of this place as they know it.
Ownership is a strange concept. We move from dorm to dorm or off campus over our time here; at times, it seems like a professor runs a given classroom or a specific department has control of a building. It can be difficult to claim a space, but you should. Actually, I say make it your chief occupation during your time here, whether you have one year left or three.
When you walk into a building or class or take charge of an event through a student group – own it. Achieve a sense of comfort in these places; leave a lasting mark on the campus through your involvement in activities. Then, when you’re looking back at the end of your time here, the fact that the physical appearance of the University is different won’t seem to matter as much; the fact that events have been scrapped or changed won’t make as much of a difference. You will still have left an indelible impression on this place, making your Wash U experience uniquely yours.
There are many spots on campus that I feel I’ve taken ownership of over the past four years. When I walk into Simon Hall, it’s my building, my space. Those plush chairs in the lounge have provided me with many opportunities to comfortably study or just chat with friends between classes. The building is not just a space a pass through day after day; it’s where I interact with friends, engage my professors, prepare for countless PowerPoint presentations, chat with the recently departed Avion in the caf‚; it’s home. I’m positive that when I return to campus – one, five, ten, or twenty years from now – these feelings will remain because I just didn’t pass my time idly here. I owned activities and spaces on this campus and because of that, the memories are strong and will last despite change.
Another thing I’ve realized over the course of this semester is that this ownership or connection to the University does not have to end once you graduate. I have been involved in the senior alumni transition team and class gift campaign committee this year, working with representatives from the Alumni and Development Office to come up with ideas to keep young alums involved and encourage us give back to the University. I encourage my fellow graduates to stay connected to Wash U by giving back, whether it be of their time as a volunteer or by donating money. Something small can go a long way, and at the same time keep your ownership of the University and similarly your memories strong for years to come because you are still giving back.
After commencement on May 20, I will be leaving St. Louis to find a new home in New York and start a new job working at a prominent firm on Wall Street. Still, I know that regardless of where I end up, I will always have fond memories of my time at the University. Even if events or buildings don’t survive over the years, I will still have countless experiences and friends to look back on. By giving back to the University as an alum, the ties will only remain stronger. You will undoubtedly have different special places or memories than the ones I mentioned earlier but that’s okay and it should be expected. Just make sure they achieve their maximum potential by taking ownership of this campus. Don’t wait until you’re ready to leave this amazing place to start.