Student employees keep SIUE running

During the last boil order, Starbucks continued operating with a limited menu, and the dining hall managed to serve students anyway. For that, we should thank our student employees.

As of 2023, the university employs approximately 1,100 student workers in positions including service, sales, clerical and technical jobs. That’s a huge workload, and one that can be easy to take for granted.

Even outside of circumstances like a boil order, student employees, particularly those in food service, deal with chaotic lunch rushes that tend to include loud, long lines. Many are in- viewternational students and do not speak English as a first language. Nevertheless, they help us grab a meal or make a Starbucks run between classes, without which many of us would be lost.

Yes, sometimes they mess up an order or the lines get longer than we would like. That can be frustrating in the moment, but given the loud music and crowds, perfection would be ridiculous to expect. Besides, if people weren’t willing to do these jobs, there would be no Starbucks or Auntie Anne’s orders to mess up.

In our residence halls, resident assistants and desk managers help students with daily needs such as swiping in as well as more difficult personal issues that arise while living on campus. RAs sometimes have to handle roommate troubles, mental health emergencies and domestic disputes. Desk managers often work long hours so residents can return late at night. While they are paid an hourly wage and are compensated for room and board, these jobs can be incredibly taxing.

Other student workers answer phones, work in the facilities management program or in the library. One thing they have in common is the extra time spent on campus. While other students get to go home or leave campus for work, student workers don’t have that kind of separation between work and school. Sure, this may be convenient, but we should recognize the contribution they make to our campus to keep things running smoothly.

As journalists, we often report on novel events or recognizable names, since that’s what tends to make a story newsworthy. However, it’s important to remember that it’s the everyday operations that keep SIUE running. They may not make headlines, but they’re an essential part of the SIUE community.

Our student workers balance their jobs with the typical stressors of college life. Let’s remember to be polite and patient with them. Greet them with a smile, stay off your phone while ordering, say please and most importantly, thank you.

Like Greta Thunberg, you can make a difference

activism revolves around climate change-she began when she was only 15.

nominated for four times. She is also the youngest person to win TIME Person of the Year.

Sometimes it can feel like the world will never change, but young people continue to prove that wrong.

As students we can vote, protest, and we can advocate for things we believe in. Advocacy is one of our most powerful tools.

An activist is someone who takes action on an issue that can be political or social that they care about.

Student activists have been doing the work for years. During the civil rights movement, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee organized several peaceful protests and sit-ins to fight for what they believed in. Even though the work was dangerous, they made a difference.

A more modern activist would be Greta Thunberg, whose

According to Britannica, she started a sit-in at Sweden’s capitol building as an attempt to make Swedish lawmakers address climate change. Even though she began the sit-in alone, more people joined her each day.

Thunberg’s sit-in also inspired people across the world to participate in strikes.

Even though she started out with a small act, Thunberg has traveled across the world for the last five years giving speeches and attending protests to inspire others to care about climate change as much as she does.

Now at the age of 20, Thunberg has continued her work and has been nominated for and won several awards. One of her biggest nominations is the Nobel Peace prize which she has been

Just like Thunberg, we too can make a difference. All it takes is one small action.

Start by finding something you are passionate about. It could be a social issue that impacts a minority or a political problem revolving around a law.

Then educate yourself on the topic. Find information from a trusted online source, a book or from someone directly impacted by the topic.

Once you know enough about the topic, share it. Post about it on your social media or tell someone why they should care about it.

Although knowledge and spreading the word are important, showing up to support your movement is even more critical.

Find a protest, or organize one, and continue spreading the message. Another way to get involved is by joining a group. Look for an online group or a campus club that might be involved with your chosen issue.

As college students this one might be difficult, but if you are able to, donate. Find an organization or a group that you align with and help fund them. Sometimes there are scams, so just make sure your donations are going to a trustworthy organization or group. A good way to check if the organization is a scam is through Charity navigator.

Change only happens when people come together. Advocacy helps create a larger community of like-minded people who might be able to make that change.

Just like Thunberg, all it takes is one small act to make a difference.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)

Today is a 7 — Slow for tricky sections. Physical barriers block your way. You could receive conflicting advice. Take time to assess the situation and choose your best path.