Use your dollar wisely

The Student Activity Fee (SAF) was just raised by a dollar per quarter for the 2003-04 academic year. However, many students probably have no idea where that dollar goes, or why this is so important. There are hundreds of student-run clubs, organizations and activities that no one really knows about, and each deserves our support, even if it does not receive SAF funds.

For example, there is a student who is premiering a musical he produced on his own. (See today's Intermission.) How often do you get the chance to live out your dreams with the support of a major institution? Even if you are not pursuing a lifetime goal, you might just be looking for something stimulating to do. How often have you been stuck with the dilemma of having both nothing to do and no money to do anything?

There are dozens of sports clubs, ranging from more popular sports such as flag football, softball and soccer, to lesser-known sports such as water polo, kendo and croquet. At one time, a student even registered his own personal fan club as a student club. The best part of all is that many times these activities cost very little, or better yet, are absolutely free.

The potential for student enrichment is boundless. Students should be taking advantage of the opportunities available outside of study, because rarely does anyone attend college for the sole purpose of studying. Like Aristotle once said, virtue for the sake of virtue alone is a bad thing. Similarly, college should be about the overall experience, not just classes and books.

Get out there and support student activities. Start a club, or involve yourself with a fledgling organization. Take advantage of the fact that the UW wants to pay students to have a good time once in a while. For all you know, you might make some new friends, or find an incredibly cheap way to enjoy those study-free evenings.