FROM THE GUTTER: It was only one word

Student Beach Resident Association Co-President Tim Harper’s comments at 200 nights may have offended some people, and perhaps were inappropriate.  But the vast majority of people in attendance at 200 Nights had no problem with it, as his speech ended with wild applause and cheers.  I myself was one of the loudest as I know what he, his co-president Collette Landers, and the rest of the SBRA went through in planning this event.

It was a very difficult experience for them. There were several problems that occured at last years 200 Nights, with students upset about everything from the shut down of the open bar to the two star venue itself.  I’ll be the first to say that I – and all of my friends – had an amazing time (at the five star Marriott). It was well worth the cost of the ticket.

As for criticisms of the price, well, ladies and gentlemen, you go to Fairfield University.  Very few of us are really going to bed hungry, and very many of us spend money quite frivolously.

Ladies, could you have forgone that pair of shoes you needed to have at the mall? You know the pair, the ones you will only wear three or four times?  Guys, could you have spent slightly less at the bar or eased up on the drugs?

Think about it, money provides choices, and many people chose not to attend. One of my best friends puts himself through school, works a great many hours a week, and makes me feel bad for not being as productive as I should be.  If he found the money to go, then I have no doubt anyone could.

Now onto the comment itself, Tim Harper is a face on Fairfield.  I met him singing “American Pie” outside of Jogues my freshman year and have loved the kid ever since.  He’s been a tour guide for four years, and has been on the Dean’s List since the spring of 2000.

There is a reason he was elected SBRA co-president. He’s a great kid, and he and SBRA did an amazing job.  Instead of focusing on one or two lines from his phone interview, (which took place on a Sunday night, at 11:45 p.m. and lasted a good 15 minutes), or focusing on the individuals who may have been offended, or believed it inappropriate, maybe we should be thanking him and SBRA for organizing a great time for the vast majority who attended.

On a final note, I think Harper’s follow up comments about the night were stupid.  He definitely could have addressed the problem better. On the other hand, the line that night should not have offended anyone. It was in no way adderessed to any person or persons.  All in all, I believe it simply was just to psyche up a crowd of college kids, both happy and sad about a milestone of their senior year. (Actually maybe the comment was about the juniors, sorry guys, just kidding.)

Also, The Mirror reported that students were “outraged.” None of the quotes reflected this.  Words like “inappropriate,” “irresponsible,” and “not the smartest thing to say” do not convey a sense of outrage. Thanks Harper, Collette, Ali, Amy, Erika and Rae.