By Marcella Moore
Tri-C truly amazes me with its commitment to its students. The programs they have in place, the career center, the staff and facilities are so wonderful. If I “slept on” Tri-C before, I no longer do. In thinking about changes I’d make to Tri-C if given the resources, there isn’t an expansive list as there are already a number of things that I love. However, here are a few that I believe would further enhance the Tri-C experience for everyone involved—three of them are small things that would make a beautiful difference but one I feel would make a huge impact on the community feel of Tri-C.
One thing I would do is extend the hours of the cafeteria and other food options at Tri-C. Einsteins closed at Eastern Campus. While it doesn’t necessarily have to return, I think it would be fabulous to have some form of cafe or smoothie bar in its place that is open to students. Considering many students at Tri-C also work, this along with the cafeteria would be open in the evening to accommodate these students as well.
Another thing I’d do is get more clubs in place that utilize the resources already at Tri-C. For example, we’d have a table tennis club. This will be a great opportunity to use that lounge area and the beautiful table tennis board that remains lonely. Additionally, I’d love to see a dance club with wonderful dance instructors to teach a variety of styles. A club I’ve heard other students wonder about is a theatre club. I personally know some students whose interests and professional goals directly align with theater who would love to partake in this. These also would be available for convenings both during the day, and later in the evening to accommodate the differing schedules. The reason why I opt for a club is to accommodate the busy schedules of many Tri-C students. A club would be flexible while also providing additional opportunities for students to gather and have fun.
In addition to that, there are a few things I’ve realized at Tri-C that may be very powerful if implemented continuously. When thinking about the times I’ve felt most connected with Tri-C, it’s always when doing an activity that brings unlikely people together. For example, the dance that engaged faculty, staff, and students was a wonderful way of increasing the community feel of Tri-C.
I think about the students who are involved in a leadership position in the school. Students overall seem so much more engaged and connected with the people and mission of Tri-C when they’re leading clubs or interning. However, even without such a lengthy commitment, I see how even small projects and small moments of intentionality create a deeper sense of connection.
After recently interviewing Dr. Baston, having never talked to him previously, I felt far more connected with Tri-C as a whole. This leads to the idea, there should be mini projects that are integrated into one’s degree or class, that require them to engage with another staff member in a meaningful way. Students may do a study with staff, work on a project with staff, interview staff, or something of the sort. Having real conversations that are aligned with some sort of purpose with people we normally wouldn’t talk to, has a powerful way of connecting us to the school on a deeper level.
This last idea seems less transformative but would still do wonders for improving the Tri-C experience. If given the resources, I’d introduce an upgraded and updated Tri-C space. There are many complications that happen when logging in and staying logged in. As a whole, the layout of everything is rather user friendly. However, the frustration with accessing the space is something I hear amongst a plethora of people. In addition to that, I’d ensure that there is thorough hands-on training for staff and students so that they understand how to use the space as opposed to it being another form of frustration.
