Opinion

Croft’s Comments

Graphic by Edleen Guiao.

Q: Why is your hat on backwards?

A: If I wear it forwards it doesn’t sit right on my head because my glasses get in the way. 

Q: Which fraternity should I join?

A: I am partial to TKE, and I admit my bias. 

Q: I hate you. What do you have to say about this?

A: I do not need you to like me. Hate me or love me — I am indifferent. 

Q: What in your opinion would be a good first step for the university to take to improve social life on campus?

A: I am not sure that it is the university's job. I think it is the responsibility of the students to improve social life. Of course, the university can do things like encourage FSL, continue to host events that the students are interested in, and maybe even put some effort into making the Student Union more alluring, but it is the students' job to actually interact with each other. 

Q: What did you dress up as for Halloween?

A: I was a very promiscuous lumberjack. 

Q: The Lucy Cuddy Quad is cool, it should be used more!

A: I couldn’t agree more! What would you suggest it be used for?

Q: Why was the halloween “rave” not a rave at all?

A: I was unaware that there even was a “rave.” But I assume it was because it had to adhere to strict rules. 

Q: Is the snow plowing going to improve this year on campus?

A: So far so good. We can only hope that they are able to keep up with the snowfall this year. 

Q: Greek Life needs to expand and the word of FSL needs to be spread.

A: How would you recommend they spread the word better?

Q: UAA needs to build more housing to supply the larger amount of students.

A: Yes, but that would mean that our fees as students would have to go up to cover the cost of the new housing. 

Q: Why is UAA raising tuition next fall?!

A: I am sure that there is some very political answer to this, and TNL will look into it, but my own assumption is that the university needs to financially recover from the long-lasting impacts of the pandemic. 

Q: UAA needs more food options near main campus (SU, Library etc.) more than subway and the marketplace that has weird hours.

A: This is something that I have been thinking about since I came to UAA. I am still trying to find the best way to get the university to listen to the opinions of the students, but comments like this help raise the issue. Maybe they will hear us.

Q: Have you even gone to an event at the Student Union?

A: I have! Quite a few!

Q: I want to take more classes that encourage/force social interaction, any recommendations?

A: Take a communications class with Mounds-Craft, she is great at creating an atmosphere that encourages that social interaction. You are sure to make at least one friend by the end of it. 

Q: I've never read The Northern Light before, but saw your “Late To The Party” article and got intrigued, I will definitely be reading more. My question is, why is it so hard to get informed about campus life and events? As someone who lives at home still and drives 20 minutes for the 1-2 in-person classes I can get, I only just learned the library even has study rooms, and I took three campus tours before enrolling! Are there even social events that aren't just free coffee with your professors?

A: There are social events, but I will say that this school is overwhelmingly cliquey. If you’re not an athlete, good luck even getting a “hello” from the athletes. They are more likely to call you a NARP than to respond with a hi. And they aren’t the only cliquey group, either. There are definitely social events, both provided by the school and put on by the students, but it is hard to be informed of them unless you are a part of whatever group is hosting the event. However, a lot of students are trying to change this aspect in order to be more inclusive. 

Q: How do you go about telling someone they need better personal hygiene, and that they have an odor?

A: Honesty is always the best option. A good friend is an honest friend, even when it may hurt someone's feelings. 

Q: What is your third favorite reptile?

A: Komodo Dragons. 

Q: Why does the dining hall suck so bad? I’d rather eat a bag of monkey turds instead of chef’s choice.

A: You should petition the school to let the students have some say in what is served at the dining hall. Maybe TNL can take a poll and see what food the students would like to have available. 

Q: Would you rather be kicked in the balls by a pro soccer player or punched in the face by a pro boxer?

A: Punched in the face by a pro boxer, on the condition that it is Mike Tyson when he was in his prime. Go big or go home.