To the Editor:
In the past I have regarded the newspaper, The Commonwealth Times, as a guide for those students needing information on our fabulous Virginia Commonwealth University. As a beacon of light for the students of VCU, I assumed that it would encourage its readers, as well as guide them to the topics and information that are relatively important to them.
My digression is influenced by the recent report by The Commonwealth times on the newly founded dorm. I do not argue that it is a worthy topic. I would not dare insist that it is not worthy, but I do believe that a priority check should be announced as well as understood.
I am a student of VCU, and I believe that I, as well as everyone else here, have a hardship when dealing with how to pay for school. Whether or not a student is paying for school on his or her own, it is still a hardship that can be relatively, if not persistently frustrating. One of the most aggravating issues with this college as well as many others is buying textbooks. In fact, it can be a rather expensive problem.
With this in mind, I read an editorial written by the Student Government Association’s president Jan. 24 which spoke of a Web site designed by the students, for the students, in order to buy and sell text books. I read this today of all days, and now that I have read it, I am entirely motivated to write to The Commonwealth Times because I lost approximately $250.
I sincerely believe that if this article, or editorial, were on the first page, then I clearly would have taken notes and saved money! If this newspaper were interested in the well-being of VCU students, then it would clearly be saving the first page for something that is a bit more plausible, compared to a new dorm.
My issue with this newspaper is that instead of advertising something that can save the students money, which I feel is in the greater good for the students, the newspaper advertises a dorm; a dorm with problems. Once again, as a source of guidance, it troubles me that instead of promoting a source of help for the students, the newspaper does something else.
I miss the newspaper that I once looked to for help, and I hope that this note motivates if not inspirits better management of the one and only beacon of my boring and expensive day.
Sincerely,
Justin Greene
Editor’s reply: Thank you for voicing your concern about our paper’s coverage of campus developments. We understand textbook prices present a significant challenge to students everywhere. President Khan’s letter took precedence over other editorial material prepared for that day, and it was in fact referenced on our front page. We hope you will continue to choose The Commonwealth Times as your source for campus news and information.