With over 14,000 undergraduate students, 91 degrees offered, and 745 acres of land, it is often perplexing how a system like Cornell University efficiently functions day by day. It almost seems like “they” have it down to a science.

At my first Rose Scholars event, ,our group discussion made clear to me the inefficiencies present in a much larger efficient machine. My peers and I lamented over the challenges that come with living in the Gothics. The Gothics are beautiful, historically protected buildings that coexist with the more recently constructed main buildings of West Campus like the Flora Rose House. Unfortunately, these tangible representations of history and beauty have made it difficult for the university to maintain equal living conditions among all students, who pay equal housing costs. There are falling chimneys and at-risk-of falling stone roofs paired with a lack of toilet paper, soap and adequate shower curtains.

It is easy to gripe over annoyances of everyday life but such small inefficiencies are almost always present to some degree. We discussed the fact that one small transfer of funds in a multi-million dollar budget can cause our bathrooms to go a few extra days without service or a quick-fix net to be put over dangerous chimneys rather then permanent repair. It becomes difficult to not only remedy but initially identify these inefficiencies as those who manage things like staffing, budget, scheduling, etc. are often far removed from the students who are directly effected by these seemingly simple decisions.