Nadine Yaver Criminal Justice, Class 2006 President Latin American Student Organization
It is with deep disappointment that I write this editorial. I honestly wish I didn’t have to write anything, but the News leaves me no choice. The NU News decieved the Latin American Student Organization with regards to coverage on the Appreciation Day February 23rd. I waited for two issues to see if they would write as they had promised. I remember speaking to the editor-in-chief directly and her telling me that there would be an article. A volunteer at the event even wrote an editorial and it was not even published! To all our disappointment, the news was MIA the afternoon students served food to over 100 plus service staff.
I thought with the past spread done on the CSC service staff, the News would be more than willing to cover such an event. But I guess I was wrong. Since the news refused to cover this amazing day of service, I must elaborate on how the the Appreciation Day impacted all those who participated. The Appreciation Day was the first of its kind at Northeastern. Rarely do we acknowledge the hard working landscapers, snow plowers, food and cleaning staff. The event was emotional, powerful, and full of humility. Many of the student volunteers were filled with deep emotion because they saw the service staff as their family. Just like our parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, they work hard to provide their children with opportunities to attend college. By serving food and speaking to the service staff we were able to express the depth of our gratitude for all the hard work done to make sure campus is clean and beautiful. We realized that their job is just as important as being President of this institution.
The organizers and volunteers put their heart and soul into the event and I am sad to see their efforts go unnoticed. On behalf of LASO, I would like to thank all those who filled out a card and served food. A heartfelt thanks goes to Jack Malone, head of Northeastern’s service staff workers. Initially the administration and service companies did not want us to host this event because it would celebrate a population they would prefer to keep invisible. Believe it or not we struggled for two years until Jack alone saw the worth in our efforts. Now, ironically, we are being praised for how successful it turned out.
There are many student groups at Northeastern who put on powerful events and their efforts go unnoticed. It has a lot to do with values at the NU News. Apparently at the News, culture and service take a back seat to sex, concerts, and comedians.
