As one of the organizers of the Memorial Student Center rave, I would like to elaborate on our side of the story. The first thing I would like to do is thank everyone who came and made it a successful and fun event, especially everyone who helped plan and run the event.
The first word in MSC may be memorial, but the second is student. It is not alumni, nor is it administrator. This building is for us. The building is a student center. It is not meant to be looked at, but instead, meant to be used. We are supposed to have a good time and enjoy ourselves. It is the heart of campus. There are no classes in this building because it is a home to get away from all that.
The MSC is host to many events. Ring Dance plays music in the MSC, as well as the Hip Hop society. In addition, there are concerts as well as video game tournaments that take place in the Flagroom all the time. This music is no less offensive than what was played during the flash rave. This event was intended to help ease some stress before the rigors of finals week, as well as celebrate the MSC itself – everything we have experienced in the MSC and the memories we have made.
There were administrators who were charged with protecting the traditions of the MSC in the area. They had prior knowledge of the event and decided not to stop it. Some even appeared to enjoy themselves during the event. We tried to accommodate everyone’s concerns prior to the event. When we heard the Student Conference of National Affairs had an event in the same room around the time of our event, we made sure our playlist was short enough so we would be done by the time of the speech, and hoped the location would encourage people to stay for SCONA’s speech.
We heard some, but very few questions on the appropriateness of the event taking place in the MSC, so we made every effort to make sure the fact that we were saying goodbye to the MSC was prominent.
I say all this because we do care about this school and we do care about the MSC. I spend more time in the MSC than I do anywhere else in College Station, including my own apartment. We heed the words of the past as guidance, but will not let those who came before us choose our destiny. I am sorry if our actions have offended you in any way, but I do not regret them. I still believe that our actions were appropriate and a unique demonstration of our love for the MSC and the memories that were made in that building.
When the Aggie War Hymn played that Thursday, the Aggie Spirit in the room was palpable. Some people often feel disenfranchised from the Aggie Spirit because they have different tastes and interests than the “typical Aggie.” Seeing those people and the passion that they had still moves me, even days after the event. I believe when that many Aggies get together and show that much passion for their school and their Memorial Student Center, they are the embodiment of the Aggie Spirit.
Not everyone honors those who have passed the same way. Some decide to celebrate their lives, while others mourn their passing. There is no right or wrong – just different.
I am not saying we are a majority, but we are a large group. We decided this was the best way for us to celebrate our love of the building we have spent our lives in and come to love, something I believe everyone should be able to do in their own way.
Raving goodbye
May 8, 2009
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