Isaac is a sophomore studying Media and Communication. As of spring 2025, he is both the News Editor and Opinions Editor for The Marlin Chronicle.
Owen Davis|Courtesy
As the News Editor and newly the Opinions Editor of The Marlin Chronicle, I value communication in full and the results thereof. I believe that every voice deserves to be heard, even by those who are not directly affected. As a campus community, we can do a better job of fulfilling our duty of communicating with one another. This is something that I have seen in the world at large, not just at a small scale. We can do better. We can start here.
In my time so far at Virginia Wesleyan, I have noticed many students take issue with certain changes or events they consider negative. From what I have seen, these discussions take place among students and remain limited to this. Students need to speak up to professors and administrators, not just to each other.
I believe that this can be assisted by increased attentiveness from administration. In my position as a student, it is evident that I am not fully aware of the ins and outs of what administrators do in reference to this. This recommendation is in no way attacking or degrading the work that the administrators at VWU perform. Administrators should always be attentive to student complaints, and if they are already, I invite them to explain in detail how they do this, because it seems unclear to many students, including myself.
As an example, I often hear students complain about parking on campus and how the construction of the Virginia MOCA has affected this. Whether administrators actively view this as an objective issue or not, I am certain that students would appreciate an in-depth explanation of the situation.
We are all people. Our positions should be irrelevant in reference to our feelings. All it takes is respect, effort and time from everyone to ensure that communication takes place.
Communication and transparency are key. Every individual on this campus should feel that they are on the same team, including anyone not affected by a particular issue. I encourage students to share their concerns with the people who can make change occur. I encourage administrators to do the very same thing, along with helping students find the safety they need to make their voice heard.
This university should be a two-way relationship, equal on all levels. Even though everyone has occasional conflicting interests, whether you are studying, teaching, instructing, administrating, cleaning or keeping the campus safe, we all want the same thing: the best experience possible.
I am not assuming a side of this story. I side with the lesson of communication. We can all win if we compromise.
By Isaac Fick
