Newspapers / Bennett College Student Newspaper / April 14, 2000, edition 1 / Page 3
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3* BENNETT BANNER • APRIL 14, 2000 Banner Mailbag tettefs to the editor ,,V Phenomenal or not? “Phenomenal Bennett Belle,” isn’t that a term we hear thrown around quite often? So much that I’ve had to ask myself: What constitutes a jAenomenal Bennett woman, and can we all legitimately be labeled as such? Bennett has a rich history, one that is saturated with visionaries who have made sacrifices not only to improve Bennett College but the surrounding community as well. Historically, Bennett women have been activists, intellectuals, bold, industrious and innovative women, who were not afraid to break the mold by being different. For most students currently matriculating at Bennett, it was these very ideals that led them to the College, with hopes of becoming a part of this institution’s remarkable lineage of “phenom enalism.” I have only one question; What happened? It is amazing how one’s entire outlook on a situation or circum stances can change so drastically in just a few days. For most students, the Bennett ideal became an antiquated myth that did not and could not apply to them the minute they arrived. Bennett has not lived up to their expectations. It all began almost instantly, the complaints, harsh remarks, and threats of transfer ring because the rooms are too small; the bathrooms are dirty; there is a curfew; the food is bad; there aren’t enough activities; the curriculum is too easy, and the list goes on. Understand this: it is not my intent to minimize the severity of our circumstances. We all have the right to complain; however, I am compelled to ask: What initiative has been taken by students to somehow alter the state of affairs? I agree whole heartedly that Bennett College can be a better institution. In fact, I believe it has the potential to be one of the best institutions in the United States. Yet we must all keep in mind that a school is only as good as its students. As students we possess the power to catalyze change in our environment. No longer should we sit back and complain. Genuine concern for our educa tion and this institution, and acceptance of personal responsi bility is necessary in order to produce the scholarly arnio- sphere we all desire and deserve. Most of us made the mistake of presuming that once we were enrolled in Bennett, we would then become phenomenal women. Until we realize that simply being at Bennett cannot arid will not make any of us phenomenal, but it is what we accomplish and contribute while here that does, bitterness and sloth will be among the ideals bequeathed from one generation of Belles to the next. Yes, I know we pay $ 11,000- $12,000 to be here; therefore, the faculty and staff should be at our beck-and-call. Right? Wrong! So many of us have so many complaints and grievances, yet, few of us have suggestions, solutions, or are willing to become involved. In my dictio nary, “phenomenal“ is denoted as extraordinary or unusual. It goes on to describe phenomenal as that can be recognized or experieiKed by the senses rather than through thought or intuition. The time has come to stop pondering, bickering, and complaining. No great person has been considered great merely because of what he/she said. It was only until or after that person had done something phenomenal that his or her words mattered. Let’s make our words mauer. We must live up to the Bennett ideal by taking the initiative to bring concerns to the attention of administrators along with suggestions and a desire to assist in whatever the endeavor may be. Bennett Belles, I challenge you to lake control of your own destiny. Take full advantage of every opportunity to express your views and become involved in decisions that directly affect your education. For too long Bennett has been wallowing in a pit of stagnancy. Who better to get the wheels turning than the students? Unless we understand the essence of our problems, we will be unable to identify the proper corrective actions. We can not afford to continue to blame everyone but ourselves for the problems we have. College is just a microcosm of the world we njust face head on after gradua tion. The problems we face here will greet us on a larger scale, and out there just as at Bennett, complaining will be of no effect. Belles, how can we shape the future the future when we can not shape our today? Monica V. Hunt Freshwoman- Undecided Miami, Fla. Belle concerned about Banner content I am a concerned BeUe who reads the Bennett Banner on a regular basis. The articles are interesting as they do pertain to what is going around us. But it just seems that it is sometimes outdated. There would be a story about an upcoming activity, but when the paper is put out the activity has abready gone by. Also another thing is the spelling, it would not be so bad when it is the actual article. But when it is the title headline that is the point where most people will comment about. I know this is a student production and you can go only so far when it is done in someone’s spare time. But since I have commented I will take the The Bennett Banner welcomes all letters that are typed, doubled spaced, and don't contain more than 175 words. All letters to • the •letter policy i editor must be signed and must in clude the author's name, address, and daytime telephone number No letters will be published in the Banner without the author's name. Once a letter has been accepted by the editor, it becomes the property of The Ben nett Banner and will not be returned. The Banner editor reserves the right to edit all letters. Letters may be hand delivered in person to the Banner office located in Shell C-2 or mailed to: Letters to the Editor The Bennett Banner Campus Box 25 Bennett College Greensboro, NC P6rdU6 Continued from Page 1 governor because I bring experi ence and I can set priorities,” Per due told student reporters during a mock press conference. Perdue has been a member in the state legislature for the past 14 years. During that time she spon sored the Clean Water Responsi bility Act, which has been labeled the most important piece of legis lation in the history of North Caro lina. "I helped put $30 million extra In the budget for public HBCU’s," Beverly Perdue initiative to come out and help. Because there is no point talking all about the paper if I do not do something about it. Thank you very much. Shana L. Scott Peart City, Hawaii Sophomore Mass Communications She said heath care is a major issue facing North Carolina, particularly for the elderly. “I have done the most for senior citizens. I helped clean up regulations and demand stricter standards for nursing ht)meS and hospices.” Recently, Perdue received an endorsement from the North Caro lina Black Leadership Caucus and the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People. Bennett professor and NC state representative Alma Adams has also endorsed Perdue. Perdue talked with students in the Student Union Lobby and the Dining Hall, and distributed litera ture about her platform. She was alsdlriiemewed for segment for Women’s Quilt, one of the College’s two television shows. The interview will air April 20,22,27, and 29 on local cable access channel GCTV. Perdue said HBCU’s are lega cies and she plans to help them like she has in the past "I helped put $30 million extra in the budget for puWic, HBCU’s* As for private ones, we-hav&a i^ial fund that helps with scholarships arid fund ing fw special programs.” According to her press release, Perdue’s main platform is educa tion, but she is also concerned with prescription drug cost relief for seniors, better schools for chil- dren“;c!eariairaHd"water, Md cfme. Perdue%maM^ ^d’has't>wd adult children. Sli^ jesides in Ra leigh.
Bennett College Student Newspaper
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April 14, 2000, edition 1
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