William Peters

June 26, 2014June 27, 2014

Bathrooms, AU dorm rooms not “gross”

WASHINGTON — When the students at The American University pack their belongings and head home for the summer, one might think most of the residence halls would sit empty for the summer months, only to see occupants again when August rolls around.

But from the moment finals end, a new kind of student prepares to move in for the summer. This new student is as young as 13. This student is eager to learn and ready for the college experience. From future news anchors to the computer programmers of tomorrow, AU houses them all.

Scenic View — A scenic view of one of one of the older dorms on the AU campus. Photo By William Peters

With its location just minutes from the heart of D.C. and its grounds popping with flowering plants and trees— AU is certified as an arboretum— AU creates an ideal campus environment for its teenaged summer residents.

Students come from all over the world to participate in the many programs AU offers, including Discover The World of Communication (DWC) and National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC).

“The campus is so pretty,” said DWC student Lara Sherris 16. “It’s so nice to just look at. It’s such a friendly and welcoming place.”

Fellow DWC student Lina Gomez,17, said one of her favorite times on campus was sitting on the quad watching the sun set.

“It was seriously so pretty,” Gomez said. “When I first moved in, I was so surprised at how nice the campus was.”

The girls admitted they were a little worried about the dorm’s condition, hearing stories about college wild parties and gross bathrooms. Even Gomez, who attends boarding school in New York, says the bathrooms can get dirty there.

Gomez and Sherris agreed they were pleasantly surprised when they moved in and found clean bathrooms and tidy dorm rooms.

“You hear some pretty gross stuff about dorms at colleges, but I would say, at least in Anderson, everything was clean and nice,” Sherris said.

side view of dormitory — A side shot of Letts/Anderson/Centennial hall at AU. Photo by William Peters

Sherris and Gomez are among the thousands of students staying in AU residence halls this summer as 85 different programs use AU facilities.

“It’s a really good opportunity for people to come and see D.C. for the first time,” said Holly McAloney, a receptionist at the AU housing and dining services. “Summer is a really fun time, it really is.”

June 24, 2014June 29, 2014

Washington’s Bigfoot: the Silver Line finally found

One of the new Metro cars to be used on the Silve Line. Photo courtesy silverlinemetro.com

WASHINGTON — Despite the many challenges the Silver Line has encountered, the new extension of the Metro is finally prepared to face the public. The Silver Line, which is set to open on July 26, will connect D.C. residents with the areas of Tyson’s Corner and Reston, Va. While some commuters have been critical of the many setbacks and complications on the Silver Line, others saw these issues as a way of Metro making sure the new Silver Line would be as safe and efficient for its riders as it could be.

With a budget $150 million over its estimated $2.8 billion cost and an opening date which up until now was seven months late, it is easy to see why commuters and residents remain skeptical. Margaret Kelly commented on Metro General Manager Richard Sarles’s statement on the opening date of the Silver Line.

“I wouldn’t give it much credit. When he stated it, I didn’t really believe it,” the American University employee and District resident said.

Margaret Kelly, Metro user and American University Employee, shared her thoughts on the Silver Line with Teen Observer reporters — Margaret Kelly, Metro user and American University employee, says she is still skeptical of the Silver Line’s opening date. Photo by William Peters

Despite the delay, some people are still excited for the Silver Line to open.

“I think it’s really cool that people will have easier access to Tyson’s Corner,” said Zora Stephenson, an intern at American University who grew up in the area.

Emily Vail points out the positive side of the Silver Line’s delay.

“To be perfectly honest, when you have a huge infrastructure project, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If it’s not ready, it’s not ready,” said the grad student and AU employee.

Vail also looks forward to using the Silver Line herself.

“My grandmother lives in Northern Virginia so it’ll be nice. I won’t have to take a train.” she said.

Even thought the project has faced many challenges and setbacks, the Silver Line is sure to connect people with the surrounding areas of Northern Virginia and help the commuters of many in the District.

This version corrects the opening date of the Silver Line.

June 20, 2014June 20, 2014

Roses, vines and growing minds

seedling — A leaflet grows in a hanging pot. Photo by Xandie Kuenning

WASHINGTON — Behind the National Cathedral, in the center of the urban political jungle that is Washington D.C., lies a 4-acre haven for those looking to escape the hectic city through gardening. The Newark Street Community Garden is the largest community garden in the D.C. area and has been growing in plot size and popularity since Anne Chase founded it in 1974 to support National Food Day. Filled with 200 plots and with 190 members, the garden offers a variety of programs and opportunities for people of all ages.
“We have tried to create an environment where the neighborhood is welcomed into it,” former president Susan Akman said.
During the 30th anniversary of the garden, around 2004, Akman created a children’s program for little ones under the age of 4. It began just for people living in the nearby McLean apartments but has since expanded to include all residents in the District. The program now has an email list with more than 90 recipients. There is an average attendance of 25-35 children, each with a supervising adult. The program begins with a 5-10 minute story that leads into the planting and later harvest of that season’s vegetable. Akman always tries to plant new things each year, in order to display a variety for the children.
“When my children were little, I tried to plant something different every year to try to expose them to many types of plants,” she said.

child at the park — Alison Rodriguez, 2, eats goldfish on the slide while her mother watches. Photo by Xandie Kuenning she said.

This year, the older children planned the program as Akman was too busy to organize it alone. Akman asked several of the regular juvenile gardeners if they would be able to help coordinate the activities for the younger children.
“”[The older children] could reminisce about their time here,” Akman said.
Along with the children’s garden, the community garden also has a playground. Children and adult caregivers from all over the area have found their way to the jungle gym which has a garden theme. One family from Florida found their way to this park during a walk.
“This place looked really cool and the flowers were really pretty,” said Eden MacClave, 12.
Both she and her mother found the area a welcoming environment in comparison to their home in Florida.
“People are super super nice. Where I’m from people are too busy and too important to talk. Everyone is smiling here. The human element is so friendly,” said Maria Teresa Kline.
Whether you come from Florida or are a native of the District, the Newark Street Community Garden draws even the youngest of patrons in with its bold foliage and friendly playground.