Campus Kitchen at UMASS Boston

Art, Riots, and Other UMB Excitement

Every day is a new experience here at the University of Massachusetts Boston. During Welcome Week when the semester began, there were video games outside my “office” and a band on the first level where it felt like I was living inside the brain of a 20-year-old boy. Hey — new points of view are important to being well rounded! Recently, there have been enthusiastic fairs along the perimeter of my floor. I was told to get used to the noise, but this week has been insanity. Perhaps I should explain the concept of the Campus Center where my “office” is located. The Campus Center is the heart of the campus here. It is gorgeous, new, and state-of-the-art, however, the engineer didn’t design it with students in mind (just a minor issue), so there aren’t windows or doors on any of the offices on the 2nd and 3rd floor. This means that I am exposed to the noise of the entire building at all times (I apologize for those who have to hear this via conference call). Usually, I like it. The background noise of students going to and from class makes me reminisce about my college days. I feel connected to the campus here on a normal day. This week has been anything but normal. On Monday, construction began directly outside my window for an art project that no one on campus knows anything about. It’s been the talk of the town here since we collectively cannot figure out what it is or what it represents. UMass Boston has a history of choosing obscure art to place in it’s hall and adorn outdoor patios; it brings some visual diversity to the campus. I’ll keep this post diplomatic and let you decide what this art is:

Today, in addition to the ‘beep-beeping’ of the cherry picker hanging this installation, there was a protest inside the Campus Center. It started on the lower level with clapping and chanting through megaphones and it naturally piqued the curiosity of everyone in the building (including campus police). It grew louder and louder, the chant went “Education is a right, not just for the rich and white!”. The not-so-peaceful protesters climbed the stairs until they reached my floor where the police then attempted to disband those participating and it all went downhill from there. A small riot resulted which was quite exciting to witness. I firmly believe that education should be accessible to all, but I don’t agree so much with the way this information was presented. It’s only 1:30pm… what more could happen today?

In other matters, it’s snowing here in Boston and we’re just waiting for spring. C’mon Farmers’ Markets! I’ll keep you posted on the happenings here in Beantown as I always do. Keep the peace!