McBride Hall
I am a freshman at Miami, and as I continue to meet new people every day they still ask me the same question? “So, what dorm do you stay in?” And I answer with a grin, “McBride.” I live in the coolest dorm on the coolest part of campus, East Quad. I know that might sound a little bias, but I believe I speak for all McBride residents (now and present) when I say that McBride is just like home.
What is so great about it? You may ask. Well as soon as you walk in you get this warm feeling inside, a feeling that is not to be confused with the fact that we don’t have air conditioning. It’s like a welcome home hug. As you walk down the hall every door is open for you to come in and say hello. You are embraced by loud music and laughter. Not to mention that people actually know your name! I’m not just known as the black girl who lives in room 101, or at least I hope not.
The size of the dorm also contributes to the spirit of McBride. It’s a small dorm with only three floors. The bathrooms have only two showers and three stalls. Basically we have no choice but to know who everyone is. Another contribution is the lightness and sense of humor of the McBride residents. Because of the Mosaic living learning community, I jokingly tell people that if they want to know where most of the black freshmen are in Miami to come to McBride.
What also makes McBride great is where it’s located. East Quad is a small intimate part of campus. It is surrounded by trees which provide plenty of shade and grass that is perfect to sit on while studying. As you walk outside to use your cell phone, it is no surprise to see three other people on the phone as well (most phones get zero reception in McBride). At any time of the day East Quad is peaceful and beautiful. But my favorite would have to be early in the morning when the fog is still settled and the sun is rising.
Ok, I have given other dorms a chance. So far I have spent a significant amount of time in Morris and Collins. But they still don’t compare. I wasn’t welcomed with smiling faces and hellos. Yes some doors were open but it wasn’t for me to come in. You may not agree with me on this debate, but if you walk inside with me one day I promise that you will feel a little of what we “Brides” feel.
1 comment:
Rachel:
This is a good entrance into the idea of writing the ethnographic essay. There are plenty of avenues of exploration and possibilities to continue to look at the dorm situation. I guess a direction to take this would be to examine what really gives McBride it's status (not just that you live there, which does make it pretty cool, to me..:-) what about the unique culture of the place makes it real? maybe compare it to the other halls...identify something of the culture of this place that you want to look at more closely. This is a trick...I know. I labored for a long time over this in my own ethnography. Maybe I'll try to give a better example of taking it to the next step on Friday--I guess it is what most people are going to want to hear.
I am glad to have you in class. Your participation has already moved the class into deeper fields of meaning. Thanks
Post a Comment