To the Freshman Class:
Right now, if I were in your shoes, I'd be disturbed.
If the Hustler's recent series of articles is to be believed, those of you assigned to Kissam next year will be combating stalkers, ringworm and homeless people in the apparent Detroit of main campus. As a resident of Kissam, I'm here to give it to you straight. Granted, this is no secret oasis of luxury, hiding private bathrooms or concealing some degree of architectural inventiveness behind the Charles Dickens exterior.
However, having lived in other campus accommodations including Branscomb,
I'd take Kissam any day. Here's why.
First of all, living in Kissam gives you serious street cred. You tell someone you lived on Hemingway 1, alongside Vanderbilt football players who de-loft their beds with one hand or on the Reinke "garden level" staring directly at the parking lot, and they won't mess with you.
Then there's the convenient location. If you're an A&S student like me, you'll have the option of waking up at 9:06 for your 9:10 class, with time left over to brush your teeth. You'll be able to meet a friend at Starbucks on 21st as quickly as you can grab a movie from Blockbuster. TGI Friday's, Five Guys, Jason's Deli and Qdoba are right across the street, and there's a 24-hour Munchie Mart at your disposal.
What about the dorm rooms? Unlike Branscomb, you have the option of lofting your bed, your own adjustable thermostat and no roommate. Did you hear that freshmen? No more being awakened at 3 a.m. to "Bro, where's the trashcan?" or "Don't worry babe, he's asleep." You can watch TV with your friends in their room, and then when you want to study, shut the door of your womb-like single and experience therapeutic solitude.
Let's dispel any undying myths about Kissamers being mousy creatures who don't venture beyond the four walls. My hall is made up of about 40% fraternity guys, two VSG representatives, and numerous musicians, athletes, and club presidents. Kissam is no longer the place for shafted freshmen who couldn't find a roommate.
To assuage any skeptics, we're inviting all of you freshmen to come experience Kissam Quad for yourselves. We're holding Kissam After Hours, our annual coffeehouse benefit featuring student performers at 9:00 p.m. on February 20. We're also hosting "Kissam Open House" to provide freshmen with tours of the halls. Talk to your head resident for more information.
Your year in historic Kissam Quad can be your best at Vanderbilt. We hope to prove it to you this month.
Marty Pendleton
Senior, A & S
