by The Cowl Editor on April 26, 2018
Opinion
Light Up the Great Room Fireplace
Maybe this is the wizard in me, but one of my favorite spots on campus is the Fiondella Great Room in the Ruane Center for the Humanities, or what is possibly better known as the Hogwarts room. However, as of late, this spot on Providence College’s campus has actually lost some of its magic because, for some reason, the fireplace is never lit anymore. Even during the fall semester when the weather was cold, flurries were in the forecast, and a snow day was on the horizon, the fireplace remained inactive.
To many PC students, this spot is more than just reminiscent of Hogwarts; it provides a sense of comfort and reminds students of their home. For those who get homesick, this can make someone’s day a bit brighter.
This is also a common study area for many students; for those who cannot decide amongst the more serious, we- mean-business library, or the more social Slavin Center, Ruane is that comfortable in-between spot. The lit fireplace keeps these study dwellers in cheery spirits.
Of course there is the opposing argument that the lit fireplace actually keeps students too comfortable and relaxed, causing them to become sleepy from the soothing warmth. To those I say, you always have the option of sitting someplace else. As far as I have heard, there have never been any complaints, nor incidents surrounding the Ruane fireplace. Therefore, the Friars need to be fired up!
-McKenzie Tavella ’18
The Importance of Saying Thank You
Since I began my freshman year, one of my favorite parts about Providence College has been the unspoken rule that “Friars hold doors.” I like this rule for so many reasons, but mostly because it speaks to the kind, welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff on the PC Campus. I have heard countless students talk about this “Friars hold doors” concept, either among themselves, on tours, or with prospective students. And maybe the best thing about this rule is that everyone actually follows it—even when it means you have to awkwardly jog towards a door that someone probably should have just let shut.
The only downfall to this PC custom is that it happens so frequently that it is almost expected. The result is that sometimes we forget to say thank you. But we need to make a more concerted effort not to forget. It is so important to remember that every act of kindness—no matter how big or small—merits a “thank you.”
A simple “thank you” to the person who holds the door for you or to the member of the Sodexo staff who hands you your plate of chicken nuggets in the dining hall on Thursday can go a long way. Especially as we approach the end of the year when stress is high and everyone is busy, perhaps we should all try to adopt another unspoken rule: Friars say, “Thank you.”
-Andrea Traietti ’21