by Elizabeth Ann Beaudry

When I first came to Oregon State University, I felt really disconnected from the campus as a whole.  Soon after, however, I got a job at the Memorial Union in custodial services.  Cleaning was never my favorite activity, actually I truly despise it.  However, I found the job to be rather enjoyable.  One thing I liked about the position was that I could learn about the Memorial Union as well as activities on campus.  I was able to learn about the building and see all that it had to offer.  With this information I found that the Memorial Union not only promotes academic success, but social awareness.  The Memorial Union provides spaces to study that can be used for quiet group activities, they provide dining areas where students and faculty can come together, and they provide accessible meeting areas for all types of organizations.

For the past year and a half now I have been working at the Information Desk in the Memorial Union.  During this time I have been able to grow more accustom to all of the programs that the Memorial Union truly has to offer.  I’ve been able to inform my peers and faculty about the advantages of having their meetings and postings put up in the Memorial Union.  Another advantage of working here is I know several of the activities that are happening at the Memorial Union which I would like to be a part of.

One of my favorite events is the Music a la Carte on Thursday’s.  Music has always been a large part of my life, and majoring in Chemical Engineering does not necessarily allow much room for music.  However, coming to the Memorial Union on Thursday’s allows me to see another side of myself not necessarily present in an engineering setting.  It allows for that release of stress that I much need every week.  This activity also expands my horizons allowing me to see all types of artists.

The Memorial Union does not discriminate against sex, race, creed, or otherwise.  Because of this policy, the Memorial Union has been able to expand my horizons in several ways.  Allowing me to learn about several different political standpoints, the differences in several people around me, and the eclectic group of students and staff here at Oregon State University.  The positions I have had at the Memorial Union have allowed me to grow and mature in a healthy and happy manner.