One thing that has really been on my mind is the economy.  It seems like it’s all you hear about now; am I right? 
You turn on the news, and everyone is blaming everyone about our nation’s suffering economy.  Regardless of whose fault it is or what plan will or won’t save it, we still need to face reality: our economy is in a horrible state.

That being said, I think many of us, myself included, fail to acknowledge the fact that we will have to make some sacrifices in order to compensate for this downturn.  We may have to cut back on our spending and only buy things we need for a change.  And we absolutely cannot be spending more money than we used to be.  We just need to face the fact that times might be tough for awhile.

The suffering economy is especially tough for those of us with student loans – a lot of students loans.  And it is frustrating to see the institution we love so dearly, and pay for so much, spend outrageous amounts of money during this unstable economic time.  For instance, the Community Life Commons. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I would be in full support of it if Northwestern had a lot of extra money to spend. 
I understand that the campus needs a larger cafeteria.  Believe me, I’ve had a long time to think about it while waiting in line for food. 

I know how crowded the book store can get;  I avoid it at all costs at the start and end of each semester. 

So I get the rationale behind why the CLC should be built, just not right now – not when the state of the economy is still so uncertain.  Not when the estimated cost for it is $17 million dollars.

There are plenty of other things on campus in which I think spending could be greatly reduced as well.  Many questions come to mind: 

For instance, why has so much money been spent on the StrengthQuest program for the freshmen?  As a “student leader,” I’ve taken it.  At first I was very negative towards it;  it seemed very pointless,  but after discussing it in depth for about a week before the freshman came, my opinion of it has changed. 

I now see how it may be helpful to know what your strengths are and compare them to others you are working with.  It could potentially prevent conflicts within your group. 

However, I am not convinced that having every single incoming freshman take it will have the same effect.  To spend the time and money on that seems a bit extreme.  I don’t want to be a pessimist, but I really don’t see the benefit it will have, especially since it is not a Christian-based test.

Secondly, why has the college spent so much money on a “special master,” who has given no real report?  Wasn’t it his purpose to investigate the issues?  What was really accomplished?  

I’ll admit, I have benefited from a lot of the unnecessary spending on campus.  Retreats are great, and I believe that they truly make a difference in the relationship of a staff such as ResLife or Student Government. 

However, they are expensive.  When you stop and think of the cost of room, board, and transportation, that is a lot of money. 

Just think of all the money a staff spends on food in one year.  And I’m not talking about food as in the basic staples of life.  I’m not even talking about ordering pizza.  I’m talking about things like Caribou Coffee and the Tea Garden.  Major non-essentials.  Just think if that money went toward a scholarship or a mission trip.

Student Missions Fellowship takes an offering once a week, and it is my guess that this year might be a challenge for them to meet their goal.  Most of us probably need to up our giving; I surely do. 

But what if Northwestern would cut some of its spending and give the money to a cause that truly needs it?