Seemed like a good idea at the time—Drust says goodbye

By Bill Drust
Collegian Staff
April 26, 2006

As a senior, it is somewhat expected of me to write some sort of going-away article. However, the idea of impending graduation hasn’t really sunk in yet. Even if it had, there’s nothing I could say about it that hasn’t already been said. But most importantly, three-quarters of the students who read this paper aren’t seniors, and probably don’t care about my input on the topic.

For whoever likes reading this column, though, it might be interesting if I add a few more opinions and complaints to my list before the year is out. Before your nostrils start flaring, let me say that I am aware that this is not the commentary section. I have encountered this sentiment a few times this year. But it is my belief that the people who read this section of the paper are seeking more than just a purely factual public relations campaign for different Philadelphia businesses, events or whatever else. Apart from these types of articles, the Philly File writers have consistently delivered articles blending information on Philadelphia social opportunities, as well as varied and quintessentially collegiate viewpoints on which aspects of Philadelphia are worth our while.

I have heard the opinions of some who think Philly File, and even the Collegian itself, has become nothing more than a purposeless and glitzy entertainment publication. This is simply not true. The paper regularly and responsibly delivers national, international, local and university news in as timely a fashion as possible.

However, the rest of the paper is largely filled with entertainment and opinion – and this is its beauty. There are a lot of days, especially during this semester, when I’ve needed some fun and inconsequential reading. There is a constant barrage of thought-provoking news in this world that requires introspective consideration and responsibility in its wake. Sounds serious, right? It is, but I find that I need a break from it as well as my everyday duties. The Collegian does a great job of offering what its readers need to know and then following up with news about what makes life fun – movies, music and oddities, to name a few.

In doing so, the Collegian is instrumental in fostering the bonds that hold our campus community together. It reflects the joys, aspirations, concerns and opinions of many students in the La Salle community. I’m not saying that I’ve seen hordes of people communally reading the Collegian and following it up with a giant group hug, but the sight wouldn’t surprise me. We can read the paper and see ourselves in its pages, literally and figuratively. The Philly File section helps to illuminate the backdrop against which we live out some of the most important events in our lives.

The big question now is where do I come in? Well, let’s first take a look at the egomaniacal response. I speak for the minority within the Philadelphia college community. For example, the people who prefer Geno’s; the people who could do without going “clubbing”; the people who didn’t have a negative attitude toward New Jersey until they moved here and then were told that they did. I inform the community on such pressing issues as the anatomy of William Penn. Along with these and other things, I simply coalesce the vapors of human existence into a viable and meaningful comprehension.

Now I’ll offer an accurate description of this column’s value – nominal at best. I offer opinions regarding aspects of the city based on subjective experiences. The only thing writing this column helped me to realize is that Philadelphia is a run-of-the-mill town in a major American city’s clothing. It has a couple pretty cool things, but also a lot of not-so-cool things. It’s up to the individual to decide its worth.

So, writing these pieces all year seemed like a good idea at the time. Or rather, the idea of this column seemed like a good time. And it was. I hope that if you read any of these forays into attempted humor and ranting, you got something out of it. I’m thankful to everyone at the Collegian for all the work they do, and I urge the community to support their continued efforts. It’s a valuable publication. As for any critics, if you aren’t enjoying what you’re reading, consider trying your hand at writing. It’s a good time.

drustw1@lasalle.edu