<p>Finally, a complaint with a little substance!</p>
<p>I think bluirinka’s post immediately above me is dead on, and I’ll help add to that perspective by contextualizing the the first-year students who have started the committee for the “Improvement of Residential Life and Community” and their impressions of their own campaign. I’ve been pretty blessed to actually know Chas Morrison and Shabazz Stuart, and I know both are EXTREMELY enthusiastic about being at Tufts and about the people and opportunities present at our school. If you asked either about whether they are happy at Tufts, I have no doubt they emphatically say they are. The committee they started isn’t a reflection of disappointment with their experience, rather it’s a reflection of their belief that the residential facilities could be made better and the belief that the administration is receptive to their message. </p>
<p>Both Chas and Shabazz are student senators, and have seen first-hand how students can affect change - see the Tufts Daily’s most recent article for an update on how they feel about their committee’s goals: [Student</a> group urges administration to improve dorm common rooms](<a href=“http://media.www.tuftsdaily.com/media/storage/paper856/news/2008/04/25/News/Student.Group.Urges.Administration.To.Improve.Dorm.Common.Rooms-3350269.shtml]Student”>http://media.www.tuftsdaily.com/media/storage/paper856/news/2008/04/25/News/Student.Group.Urges.Administration.To.Improve.Dorm.Common.Rooms-3350269.shtml). These are not disgruntled students, just the opposite; Chas and Shabazz have jumbo Jumbo pride. I can see the irony in some of the most enthusiastic Tufts students also being the ones looking the most to improve our school.</p>
<p>I am not arguing with the complaint itself. One of the great things about CC is the opportunity to receive less filtered appraisals of the school in which the forum-goers are interested. I recognize my place here is not to start candy-coating Tufts, as I believe that honesty regarding who we are at Tufts is the best way to connect with the fantastic students who ultimately belong here. Nevertheless, it’s important to understand the spirit in which Chas and Shabazz, and others like them, bring forth these complaints.</p>
<p>Link to a second article on the goals of the committee: [Student</a> group raises questions about quality of Tufts dormitories](<a href=“http://media.www.tuftsdaily.com/media/storage/paper856/news/2008/03/27/News/Student.Group.Raises.Questions.About.Quality.Of.Tufts.Dormitories-3287034-page2.shtml]Student”>http://media.www.tuftsdaily.com/media/storage/paper856/news/2008/03/27/News/Student.Group.Raises.Questions.About.Quality.Of.Tufts.Dormitories-3287034-page2.shtml)</p>