We come to Cornell to learn. To learn about what we’re interested in, what we think interests us, what we believe matters. And we come to West Campus to live. For friends, good food, and old buildings. But when and where should the two intersect?

At this week’s Rose Cafe, we explored this intersection. We began by contextualizing the famous motto “Any Person, Any Study” by exploring the fact that our home-away-from-home played a huge role in normalizing and instituting higher education for historically marginalized populations. West campus’s rich history as a bargaining chip aimed at attracting prospective Harvard and Yale students proved effective. But as we discussed a loss in the budget and minimal landscaping, other aspects of our rich history surfaced.

I believe we are very privileged by being students at Cornell. Unfortunately, we rarely see the inner workings necessary to accommodate our pampered stay. By adventuring down into the tunnels which provide us with supplies of food and other amenities, I feel that we are grounded. The staff who work daily to provide us with an amazing experience become visible and remind us to show appreciation. And once again, the motto “Any Person, Any Study,” should inspire us– inspire us to mobilize social justice.