 by Craig Robins
For the past four years, I have been a volunteer, an employee, and a student to the Memorial Union here at OSU. Beginning with my freshman year in 2000, I was fortunate enough to get involved with this one of a kind building, as a committee member in the Programs Council. Having the opportunity to visit the M.U. frequently, I quickly realized the divine and unique setting that the M.U. instills. There are always events going on, people visiting, and a comfortable “living room” sense that makes a person feel welcome and opportunistic.
As the end of my freshman year was approaching, I found that college is a penny squeezing time and was in dire need of employment. I applied with the Business Office of the M.U. hoping to get a chance to learn more about the building, get more involved in it, and to help others by working in the information booth in the Business Office. Luck was with me, and I began working in the information booth as a Night and Weekend Information Desk Assistant. By working and learning from some wonderful people in the building, my interest in is grew even more and I found an importance in volunteering as a Programs Council Director for the upcoming year. I applied to become the Renaissance Faire Director for 2001. I felt that this would open a new window of opportunity for me and I could once again learn more about M.U. operations and the people involved with it. I became the Renaissance Faire Director for the year 2001. I was able to meet many new people and enjoy many new challenges that came with the position. I was also fortunate enough to be a member of the Memorial Union Organization Board. I figured that by working at the M.U., being a Programs Council Director for the M.U., and a member of the M.U. Organization Board, I should have just brought a sleeping bag with me to the building!
My third year of school was no different. I was once again selected as the Renaissance Faire Director and had a wonderful experience with it. I was also given another opportunity to make a stronger influence and impact on the M.U. by becoming a Night and Weekend Manager of the building. I once again volunteered to be a part of the Organization Board for the M.U.
I am still a Night Manager today and will be returning next year also for my final year of school. For my entire college career, the Memorial Union has been a crucial and enjoyable aspect of my day to day life. I have meet many friends, done many things, and had many opportunities because of the Memorial Union. The secret to the M.U.’s spirit is the existence of a diverse setting with the ability for all people to enjoy. It promotes diversity, creativity, and teamwork. It is no wonder that it is such a successful and significant place here at OSU, and it is no wonder that it has had such a marvelous impact on my college experience. |
