School’s almost back in session. Our students have begun to return to the city in droves, which terrifies — perhaps even terrorizes? — people in multiple neighborhoods. What those neighbors don’t realize is that those of us (adults and families, that is) who live in student residence halls are utterly relieved to have our own students back and the “summer associates” — the khaki-clad douchebags from everywhere else who are only here for the summer as interns, and who love to leave beer cans in the elevator on their way out for the night — scurrying back to the Big Country. Seriously, I know NYU and New School students have a bum rap, and some of them deserve it. But many of the people I live among and teach are eager to be here and to engage with the city in a meaningful way. Maybe the nice ones self-select into the courses and buildings I inhabit.
Anyway, in a different context today I was musing about the phrase “welcome back,” and how for me — like many who grew up in the 70s — it inevitably makes me want to break into the Welcome Back, Kotter theme song. The show’s opening shots of a graffiti-covered F train in Brooklyn were among the most lasting images of New York that populated my imagination before I finally visited the city in my late teens.
Good point on the summer intern types from elsewhere, Bryan. They are *really* annoying. Because they’re seen acting stupid then walking into an NYU dorm, people assume they go to NYU. Ditto for anyone who looks, say, 19-23 walking on Third Avenue between 14th and 10th Streets (and acting stupid). Not everyone is an NYU/New School student along this strip…
Hey, Grieve. Thanks for the comment. I didn’t mean to single you out as unjustly complaining: I fully realize how dramatically neighborhoods have been transformed in the last decade — especially around Union Square — by the importation of enormous high rise housing for students. And as you and others pointed out, many do have a strong sense of entitlement. I actually thought your swarm photos were funny.
My hope is that a little of what we do works toward making better neighbors than might be there otherwise. But I also realize it’s an uphill battle: that’s a lot of students to try to influence! And loud/oblivious ones seem to take up enough sonic space to more than compensate for their saner and more considerate classmates — if not a silent majority then still a comforting presence in my classrooms.
Welcome
Why, thank you!