Help, I’ve been trapped in Morton 324 for the last three years! Just kidding, but not really. As a Quantitative Social Science major there has not been a single semester where I haven’t sat in this small seminar room, peering out the windows at Kidde on the other side of the lawn. What is in the attic of MPK anyways? I often stare at the broken windows wondering what could be hidden away in the depths of the inaccessible fourth floor.
This room used to feel a lot different — I remember hesitantly walking in through the rear door and taking a back row seat, peering at the upperclassmen ahead of me. I listened to them debate politics, ethics, and the state of the world. Now, I sit where I want, with a coalition of fellow Quantitative Social Science majors who have become my friends. Now the state of the world grows more scary, and it almost doesn’t feel worthwhile to debate anything. It all gets lost in the echo chamber equivalent to background noise.
When I first sat in Morton 324, I was scared to express my opinions and speak out against injustice. I catered to the majority and watered myself down for the sake of social desirability. Over the last three years, I have grown more confident in my ability to express my opinions and stand solidly in them. I’ve gotten into political arguments, heated exchanges, and have even removed myself from people and organizations that do not reflect my personal values. Now, I realize it is more important than ever to get involved in local governance and to address issues within our own communities. This week from Morton 324, I stuffed and addressed envelopes to my constituents soliciting feedback regarding policy, safety, and other issues in Hoboken. As I shoved the envelopes into the 4th Street mailbox, I wondered whether anyone would respond to even such a direct solicitation of opinions.
I think we fail to realize that the city of Hoboken, that has shaped us in our young adulthood, has become our home. Many of us may even stay here after graduation, so instead of mourning the “college town” Hoboken, let’s inject some civic engagement into a “post-grad” Hoboken, and begin caring for it with a new sense of stewardship. Seniors, let’s all try something new this week — let’s care a little about our city. Attend a council meeting, reach out to an at-large council member, or even reach out to me or Shane Mitchell (your Democratic Committee Representatives for this district).
Seniors, we’ve all grown into young adults, and just like Morton 324 has shaped me, the city of Hoboken has shaped you. Maybe three years ago I wouldn’t have filed a work order when a chair broke in Morton 324. Now, in this room that has molded me and my ideological awakening, I open the facilities concern page on my MyStevens portal. There is a mayoral election for the city of Hoboken in November, and at a bare minimum we should all switch our voter registration and vote! In order for the city to respect the wants and needs of the young adult population in Hoboken, we need to make our voices heard.
