Editor:
I was appalled when I read the Nov. 30 opinion column, “Commonalities of a Seemingly Divided Student Body” by Katie Hewitt.
I do not know if this was an attempt at humor or a serious article. Whether it was meant to be a joke or not is not the heart of why I am writing. The article made some comments that were both ridiculous and verging on mean-spirited. The first example was that of “the sport utility drivers?[who] can afford their lifestyle and education” and “the eclectic remainder?[who] want an education but don’t want to invest more than we have to.”
I am supposedly a member of the “eclectic” group spoken of. I came to this university for the education I knew I would get here. My car was not free, my daddy didn’t help me get it. Even though my grades are excellent, I am not on a scholarship, but that does not lessen my value as a student on this campus.
Saying that bus riders are a classless group of people also seemed to strike a nerve considering the recent attitude of the university. We as students are told not to drive to help with the parking problems, and riding the bus is a solution commonly given by the school.
Riding the bus is also a way to help the environment, and more people should do it. I have been known to take the bus a time or two, not because I am too poor to have a car, but because I am trying to help a bad situation where I can.
I know the author stated that she was not trying to draw lines, but trying to erase them. I feel she failed miserably.
Amber Lewis, Junior, Chemistry