Saturday night, 7:05 pm.
In the “real world” outside Wesleyan, which admittedly often seems distant, I’d be willing to bet that about 75 percent of its occupants (at least in our time zone) are thinking what I’m thinking—it’s time for dinner, they would like dinner, they’re incredibly hungry, where can I eat dinner, etc. etc. In the “real world” these are not unusual or unexpected thoughts to have at 7:05 p.m., although apparently at Wesleyan, with the recent “improvements” to campus dining, they are.
My friends and I discuss our options- Mocon, Summerfields, WesWings…We decide on Mocon because of its proximity to our dorm. Upon arrival, at approximately 7:20 p.m., there is basically no food at all. I grab a banana and my friends pour themselves bowls of Cocoa Puffs. We stand eating in front of the recently emptied trays of food that can apparently only be enjoyed until 7:15 p.m. or so on a Saturday evening. We curse campus dining between rushed bites…futile efforts to get any real sustenance. I am directed to the woman in charge at Mocon, and she tells us that Summerfields is open. We walk to Summerfields, only to join another group of students who are now banging on its door and windows. It’s closed. No more food. Go away. You sorry students are too late! Who eats after seven?!
Here I’d also like to point out, that even if Summerfields had been open at this time, as had been indicated by the schedule of dining options we were all emailed, they would now be using their after-hours menu, which means that there’s absolutely nothing remotely healthy to eat. It’s especially difficult for my fellow vegetarians or vegans to find anything worth eating.
Our anger and hunger mounting, we consider WesWings, only until another student tells us that they stopped taking points at their register. The Campus Center is closed of course, and WeShop closed at six. It is now around 7:30 p.m. and THERE IS NO WHERE TO EXCHANGE POINTS FOR ANYTHING RESEMBLING A MEAL ON CAMPUS. Absurd.
We drive to Mamoun’s. Now entering the “real world,” we don’t feel so lonely and out of place, being hungry at 7:30 on a Saturday night. There are other happy people there enjoying their meals. The food was excellent, although I really had not wanted to spend any money on dinner that night. And we’re arguing about keeping dining options ON CAMPUS? Here I am!!! I want to spend my points on campus!! I want to support workers rights at Wesleyan!!
But since it’s Saturday evening at 7:30, these are apparently unreasonable thoughts to have, and the hunger pains in my stomach unwarranted.
If any member of the administration of this University would like to take responsibility for this occurrence, please send $4 (cash or check) to Laura Siegle, Box 5159, as reimbursement for my meal at Mamoun’s. Thank You.
P.S. Does anyone else think it’s crazy that there is nowhere to get coffee or tea (not to mention the amazing three layer cake they used to have on the third floor of the Campus Center after eight) at night now? If it’s one in the morning and I am working in Olin I really don’t feel like walking all the way to Summerfields for a caffeinated drink. Do you?
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