Alone Together
- watsond1
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
the quiet shift on campus
It wasn't too long ago that finding a seat at a Wabash Valley College event meant squeezing between strangers and having to shout over all the noise just to be heard. Today, that does not seem to be the case. This is not my first time going to Wabash Valley College. In 2018, I registered and attended classes that fall and the following spring semester. Although I was only there for a short period of time, I still remember it being an amazing experience. The most memorable part of it was the amount of interaction going on between students and how engaged they were. I've been to a few different community colleges, and there is not much interaction amongst students outside of their already established “cliques.” Not WVC in 2018 though; the students here bonded with one another like they had known each other their whole lives. Regular students hung out with athletes, athletes of different sports hung out with each other, international students with locals, and so on and so forth. The bleachers at games were so packed it was nearly claustrophobic; the student section was always loud and obnoxious, no matter the sport.
I have my theory on what may have caused this sudden decline in attendance to events and interaction amongst students; however, I do not think the reason why matters as much as what the solution is. What can the school do to help? What do we do to move forward? Once again, I have my own opinions on what can be done, but it is very important to hear from other students. So, I interviewed a few students and faculty members on campus to see how they felt. It became extremely important to speak with students from different perspectives. Students of different ages, students with different degrees, backgrounds, and priorities are important to include. The theory or solution could work to evolve the culture of our campus for students next year. Students shared the need to have events that are geared toward them as adults and events that just let them relax and get to know each other. When I asked Kylee Robinson of the Wabash Valley Softball Team about the lack of engagement, she suggested events that are more “adult, that allow adult music, and adult behavior”. She went on to say that chaperones should know that students are aware of consequences. "We know our futures dictate acceptable behavior." Easton Wampler was quick to point out that students often don’t know if events are being offered. The suggestion was made that sponsors need to reach out through flyers, email, and social media.
"Stop treating us like kids and have more things that college students would like to do." Kylee Robinson
Mr. Kyle Peach, Student Senate Sponsor, acknowledged that student activities are being offered. He stated, “It is the goal of the Senate to offer events that interest students and motivate attendance and participation.” Peach also expressed that there is a disconnection in communication. Sponsors, clubs, faculty, and students need to be more specific in the communication technique that will be most effective in getting the word out. "
“We currently use social media, text, and flyers and then still hear students say that they did not know the event was offered.”
Mrs. C, WVC Early Childhood EducationInstructor, stated that “students stated they were not aware of senior night games, and text messages of free food even go unheeded!” WVC administrators and IECC have made this a priority. Head Volleyball Coach, Coach Ref also serves as the Student Activities Director.
Gena Jackson, WVC student, stated that students need to pay more attention to what is being offered. It will be important that modern-day students give events a fair shot, attend, participate, and then provide feedback as to how the event was received. Only with open communication will change occur.
Events are being planned and offered, but participation needs to increase, or frustration from both sides will continue. Mrs. Cadwalader had sports teams out to her farm a few times. The events were well- attended with over 100 showing up!
We need events that bring in numbers so that ALL students can enjoy social experiences. The venue, the offering, the time of day won’t be the key… your willingness to communicate, actively engage, help plan, and attend is vital! Let’s set a goal for 200+ at the next event at WVC!
Students just want to bond and get to know each other, chill and hang out
Kylee reminisced on an event that was enjoyed by all, “it was an assassin water fight that lasted all week, we fought with water guns and worked all week to get our mark! We all had a great time and got to know other athletes. “Gena suggested daytime activities and better communication. Other even suggestions were “spirit week with dress code for different days, and celebrity events for concerts and tournaments that will get us up and moving.” Easton emphasized that “staff or sponsors need to be chosen carefully and need to be people that treat students like adults, not hover over them like children.”
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