I use these phrases constantly at daycare. Block tower destruction seems to instigate a fight daily.

One child says “But it was stupid!” to which the other responds, “It was a helicopter parking garage with a dog castle attached!” I love that about kids, how they steadfastly believe in the perfect worlds they create. I feel that way about graduate students. I’m not trying to be demeaning, children have taught me many things and so have grad students. Graduates make significant sacrifices for the good of education. I’m not that brave. After graduation I’ll be looking for a stable job. It makes me respect you more as a group of people entrusted with something important.

Although I support your cause, I do not support your tactics. Various forces influenced me this week GEO, administration, professors, my sense of right and wrong, and my obligations. I went in a “struck” building to access equipment I could not find elsewhere. I have never felt under such attack as I did then. The worst part was how angry I felt and how much I wanted to strike back. I try so hard not to be that person.

No TA I’ve had would treat me with such disrespect, but much was lost in the shouting and drumming.

You had issues with the administration and undergrads were regarded as mere collateral damage in a bigger fight.

I understand that you believe the gains you made will benefit everyone in the long run.

But, I also thought I had TA’s creative enough to take on the administration without attacking students.

GEO, in the future, could you please think of a better way to say it?

Ann Coultas,

former Illini Media Employee,

senior in Media