COLUMN: How to make Logan feel like home

Because this is only my third year at Utah State University, I do not pretend to be a veteran on all things Logan. However, I will say that in my time here as an Aggie there are two statements can often be overheard throughout campus: “Wow, it’s cold” and “Gosh, there’s nothing to do here.” The first comment, I stand by. It definitely is cold here. The second comment, however, is what I base my thoughts on.

I must here defend Cache Valley. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that Logan is a thriving metropolis, but it is far from being a one-post town. The city of Logan offers great opportunities for fun, although some are more apparent than others. Live theater, a decent array of restaurants, movies, miniature golf or the music scene – there is fun to be had on the streets of Logan.

Most of the aforementioned costs money – something that we as students are lacking. This is where creativity comes in. Some of the best times that I’ve had here involve a very low dollar amount and lots of laughs. For example, hiking in the mountains, sledding down Old Main Hill, exploring Logan folklore or hanging out at first or second dam. There are good times to be had; you just have to figure out what they are.

And for those of us who don’t want to plan our daily activities, there are pre-planned events going on almost everyday on campus. Now I know what you’re thinking: “Great, the activities VP is using this as a shameless plug for activities on campus.” To that thought I reply – why, yes, yes I am. But, not just for my activities, I plug all of the great events that happen around campus all of the time.

One of the things I love about USU is that we are not a commuter school, meaning that most of the students live on or around campus. Because of this, the definition of being an Aggie isn’t constricted to studying and class. Don’t get me wrong, academics come first. The purpose of any of us being here is to become more academically minded people. However, our education need not end there.

This is why I plug for the activities and events at USU. There are so many great things going on throughout campus, especially during fall semester. I encourage you to take a proactive approach to finding out the happenings around school. I often speak with people who “didn’t see the advertising” or “didn’t know enough about it” (speaking of activities). While we (the Student Activities Board) are doing our best to spread the word about activities, it is hard for us to reach everywhere on campus due to policies on advertising, etc. Check out the back page of the Utah Statesman, the basement of the student center, or TSC Room 326 to find out where the fun is.

To further the abuse of this column and give you a head start in the know how of events I encourage you to attend the Switchfoot concert this Thursday (Oct. 14) at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. This band first hit it big with their hit “Meant to Live” and is currently climbing the charts with “Dare You to Move.” A platinum selling band is coming to Logan and as a student you are invited to see them live for six bucks. Not a bad deal, considering it costs more to see a movie these days! Doors open at 6 p.m., the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the TSC Ticket Office and the Spectrum Ticket Office. (Students must show a valid student ID.)

My last piece of advice is to make Logan feel like home. Support campus activities, explore our beautiful outdoors and take advantage of the Logan scene. I promise you, it DOES exist. And if you ever find yourself saying, “gosh, there’s nothing to do here,” let me know.

Kathy Leslie is the ASUSU activities vice president. Comments can be sent to stab@cc.usu.edu.