As a college student, I often feel like a child. I am treated like one by other adults who continually let me know what they believe is in my best interest. Ironically, these same adults also expect me to act as an adult who participates in society and makes well-rounded decisions. In dealing with the university and with the city of Ames and their decisions, college students are often left out of the picture.

Throughout my five years at Iowa State, I have watched tuition rates soar beyond my reach, the elimination of the Towers Residence Association (my beloved home for three years), the cancellation of Veishea, the merger of two colleges into one, the destruction of various academic departments and have witnessed the ongoing conflict between ISU students and the residents of Ames.

Now I helplessly watch as the Maintenance Shop, one of the gems of Iowa State, is being taken from us and we are, once again, silenced from voicing our opinions.

At least ISU President Gregory Geoffroy and others involved in the Veishea committee allowed students to have an influence over the future of the event. Unfortunately, it looks as if the fate of the M-Shop will be a different story.

We will once again have to sit with our mouths closed as the place that we love is stripped from us. I would like to thank many of the overpaid bureaucrats at Iowa State for once again making a decision for me — for once again making me feel like a child.

Maybe administrators should try the tactic that seemed to work for Veishea: give us a chance to speak and ask us what we feel is best.

I do believe we are old and mature enough to do that.

Kristen Corey

Senior

Sociology