A weekly holiday tradition established here at Georgia State is Plaza Day; every Tuesday and Thursday at noon you can find a great chunk of Georgia State students there. Whether you’re on your way to class, headed to financial aid or just simply looking for something to do for an hour, we all have encountered Plaza Day. A question that has been whispered about and hinted at, but never really addressed is, is Plaza Day helpful or hindering?
When I was a freshman transfer student, Plaza Day was one of the selling points of the University. I remember looking forward to seeing all the Greeks step, hop or stroll and would be disappointed if I missed even a millisecond of the action. It didn’t occur to me until recently that not everyone shares these same sentiments.
I’ve noticed some people dread and actually frown at the sight of students gathering and preparing for the blissfully chaotic event.
“It’s not that I don’t like it. It was fun first semester, but I’m over it,” freshman Sareka Bushrod said.
She’s not the only one. Junior Haley Love also refers to it as being enjoyable as a freshman, “but after that it’s annoying, it just gets on my nerves.”
What exactly is nerve-wracking about plaza? Well, it could be a number of things contributing to this uncomfortable atmosphere. But a space that is used for freedom shouldn’t feel uncomfortable to anyone.
If you’re in a hurry, on your way to class, or just looking to pass by without interruption, then the plaza is definitely a problem. Honestly, some people come to the plaza to relax and take a break from their hectic schedules; the last thing they want is to be surrounded by chaos. However, there are students who look forward to that hour twice a week.
Carmen Cunningham, a junior and leader in different student organizations, described Plaza Day in two words: “necessary space.” This is student’s chance to promote and put a face to the names [to organization leaders] and it makes them want to attend more of your events.
Though it is safe to say the space is dominated by Greeks, they’re not the only people who benefit from the plaza. All student groups can be found at least once a year in the plaza promoting their events. Loren Johnson agrees with Carmen and added another pro to the list. Johnson said, “It’s a good time to see all my friends that I don’t usually see and it’s a break. I love coming out there [to the plaza] just to see people and too much space to be crowded.”
Plaza Day is a great thing that needs improvement. Not enough people approach it with an open mind or know the true purpose or intent of these days. Organizations should be able to promote without having to compete with music blaring from speakers, but those who come to plaza should know that it’s not going to be the quietest place on campus. I propose that the Greeks should have one day and the non-Greeks and other organizations have the other. This could possibly eliminate any competition, it wouldn’t be as loud and it gives more breathing room.
Overall, the plaza should be an area that brings all students together rather than the same people week after week. If approached with an open mind and there’s a better handle on space, I don’t see why all students couldn’t benefit from Plaza Day.
