6/EDITORIAL October 12, 1992 Apathy breeds There is a cloud of malaise slithering throughout the student body. But, it's a disease no one bothers to discuss anymore. Since its onset a generation ago, it has festered quietly among student populations. It's difficult to define. It's a very unpopular topic that everyone---faculty, staff and students included---would rather ignore. Some call it complacency--others call it ignorance, but most people call it apathy. No matter how unpopular the topic, I need to devote at least one editorial about the lethargic attitude I have witnessed during my five semesters here at PSH. Earlier this semester while standing in line at the bookstore, I struck up a converstation with another older student, who like myself, was waiting for one of the five bookstore workers to notice that we were ready to pay for our purchases. The other student, who griped about the poor service at the bookstore, complained that she had called earlier to find out if the bookstore had received a textbook she had been unable to get. But, the bookstore personnel refused to give out that information over the phone. Consequently, the student had to drive an hour, only to find out that the bookstore still did not have the book she needed. In response to the student's complaints, I suggested she contact someone in administration or perhaps write a letter to the school newspaper. Her response to me was, "Did you ever try pissin' the wind?" It was at that moment that I realized the problem goes deeper than apathy. Perhaps the students are so frustrated with the red tape that tangles up registration and financial aid--along with standing in long lines--that it's difficult to concentrate on campus Issues. The pressures and frustrations that students face today involve more than academics. That's because the traditional student of yesteryear was in his/her early twenties, single, childless, living on campus, and receiving financial assistance from their parents. This student is a minority at PSH. Most of my fellow students are financing their own education, along with working an outside job. On top of that, some have family responsibilities. These obligations don't leave much time to enjoy social diversions such as club or campus activities. As our financial futures remain uncertain, today's students are placing a high priority on academics in order to prepare themselves for their professions. Unfortunately, we allow these time and financial limitations to cheat us out of enjoying the activities that can enhance our lives and academic experiences. It's sad that some of us will graduate without experiencing everything college has to offer, including that special affinity we can develop with our classmates and professors. But, we don't have to let these inconveniences relegate us to settling for a watered-down eductional process. PSH sponsors 28 clubs and numerous student activities that are free. In spite of this, participation and attendance at these events and organizations have been sparse. I strongly urge my fellow students to commit themsleves to at least one club or activity during their tenure at PSH. I was tremendously disheartened to learn that in the recent discontent SGA elections only 96 students bothered to vote. Of course, with only four candidates on the ballot, what could I expect. Most of the vo es I casted were write-ins. Believe it o not, SGA is very interested in representing the needs of th! students, but they need your input. Let your voices be heard. If enough voices sound off with rt i similar cone s, eventually changes will occur. If one perso complains, nothing gets done. If 100 people Complain sepe ately, little gets accomplished. But, if people complain collelctively, as a single unit, they can implement change. But, there's nothing magical about it--it takes time and commitment. ( apital ,:-,Times ) EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ann Feeney-rtcaovern COPY EDITOR Ttichaef. Stone NEWS EDITOR Stacey Simmer s PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Michael, Starkey ART DIRECTOR ?rev Stair SPORTS EDITOR Tim frown ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR 3 ason SantMaus FEATI.IRES EDITOR Lisa Ma(ask. ADVERTISING MANAGER Nata(Le E.-11. Zeckman ADVISOR Dr. Peter Parisi 1 STAFF 13rmnte Etzweiter, Candy Franks, Matt Hunt, Susan 3ones-ljurklewizz, Dawn Kopeck,t, - Pam Myers, "tax, lUtendEer, WU Russell, Jennifer Walker, Angela West, Hilary Zetders Capital Times is pullished by students of Penn State Harrisburg. You may reach the Capital Times at Penn State Harrisburg, Olmsted Building, W-341, 777 W. Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057, by calling (717) 944-4940, or by fax at (717) 948-6008. All written material IS property of the Capital Times and of the author. No parts of this paper may be reprinted without per Mission. All photos are property of Quark Photogrpahy. Cartoons and artwork ar property of Trev Stair No photos or artwork may be reprinted in any form whatsoever. Concerns regarding the content of any issue should be directed to the editor. Opinions expressed are i those of the author a are not representative of the college administration, faculty or student body. Capital Times welcom ssigned letters from readers. No unsigned submissions will be printed; however a writer's name may withheld upon request. The Capital Times dies not endorse its advertisers. MlNElmiimmimr 130 v ti -- tosti riiiyf Ann. Feeney-Ticaovern Ectitor-tn-Chief THE REST of THE CcourgY WIS AS YAS RU!, *AN, SAME HERE(
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