After just finishing up reading chapter four in our class RCL textbook, devoted to the explanation of kairos, I started to think of what “hot issues” there were in my life that I am, or should be, seizing the moment for rhetorically. Then I saw a flyer for an apartment building advertising available rooms to students for next year. I’ve heard on multiple accounts that the time to start looking for a place to live next year is early October, if you want to walk less than a mile to campus everyday. Seeing that today is September 25th, the urgency of this issue is pretty indisputable. At first, this might not seem like a rhetorical situation, but in fact there are two clear sides of the conversation at hand. My roommate’s parents would prefer that she and I live on campus next year and reap the benefits of campus living one last time. I, conversely, am tempted by the idea of having my very own kitchen and bathroom. My roommate is pretty torn on the matter.
Well, my “window” of kairotic opportunity opened today, the day of the open house event for Calder Commons apartments. We were able to go in one of the apartments. I made sure my roommate saw the big, white oven (she loves baking) and the fitness center in the building. >>>>
But, of course, as a practicing rhetor, in order to maintain a kairotic stance I must examine the values and assumptions that drive the opposing argument, and even my own. I will begin with the conflicting viewpoint. On-campus living is safe, closer to classes, and allows students to be on a meal plan (and thus receive the 65% discount on campus food). The price of living on campus also includes electricity, heat/AC, and high-speed wireless Internet connection. One study even says that, in general, students living on campus tend to have higher GPAs than those who do not. For Penn State’s complete list of benefits of campus living, as well as amenities, click here.
I acknowledge these arguments and have indeed taken all these points into consideration; however, I have several points to support my side. Although I am enjoying campus living right now (especially the buffets in the dining halls), I predict that I will be done with communal bathrooms and the inability to make myself a hot meal by the time next year comes around. Living off-campus would be liberating! It truly provides students with the opportunity to become an adult. It involves increased responsibilities; besides the work they have for school, off campus students are usually responsible for paying their monthly rent, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of other financial matters regarding their living space. This situation gives students a chance to become adjusted to life in the real world. While some might argue that you have junior and senior year to do this, I figure the earlier the better. Besides independence, off-campus living could potentially provide students with better health, a smarter diet (no more warm cookies from West every day), fewer distractions, more space, the opportunity to build credit, and the ability to have a car. Besides, it’s usually less expensive.
I can see how my roommate’s parents’ opinions are derived from the values of a caring parent and, on the other hand, how mine coincide with the values of a typical college student, eager to break free from the nest. In any case, we have five days to come to a consensus on what our best option is for next year. Feel free to join the discussion – tell me what your plan is for next year, and why!