December 11, 2015 - 13:58
I was impressed by the variety of topics explored for the contact zone projects. While Bryn Mawr currently considers the needs of different identities and the wants of certain services (bookstore, dining hall, timebanks(?), there is always room to improve. I think my classmates chipped away at specifics within the issues that their subjects presented but many were left at the end wanting to do more. Since the student population here is the type of one who speaks up for themselves (SGA being a prime example), this project was a good way to get us, the new first-years who want to get involved but may not know how, to think about the ways we can impact the school.
For my project, I will compile the information I received from last night's survey of the ESEM classes (thank you for participating!) and give both those results and the seniors' ones to Mr. Huang. Even though I know that comments from the seniors show that they still think the bookstore is expensive, it would be helpful that he and the rest of the bookstore staff could see that. If the students knew that the bookstore prices could go down with more students buying from the bookstore, then they would probably consider buying from it instead of continuing to rely on Amazon or other online sources. Besides passing along that information, I don't think I'll continue with this project; I'm not sure I know how I could continue. I know I will be more conscious of buying local for my books, etc, where here at Bryn Mawr or at independent bookstores near where I live at home.