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Since the 1960's, the Free Expression Tunnel has been the University’s answer to combat graffiti on campus. Located on Central Campus, the tunnel connects the two halves of campus split by the railroad track, giving students a venue for expressing their thoughts and feelings about anything from “Happy Birthday” to announcing club and organization meetings. The tunnel never looks the same twice, as it is painted daily by various student groups.
By Joseph Wright ('10)
Fall is upon us, which means it's once again time for loved ones to flock to campus for Parents & Families Weekend.
Each year, NC State students enjoy this time-honored tradition by taking part in a huge cookout before (what we hope will be) a Wolfpack win, among a number of other great weekend events. Amidst the celebration, many parents still wonder what else helps shape their students' formative years in Raleigh, and long to take part in some of their more mundane, “day-to-day” activities.
Well, folks, here's a bit of a sampler with some things you should see and do in capturing the essence of a day in the life of a typical NC State student.
Many parents possess the same overbearing worry about their college student – his or her nutrition. While you're in town, scout out some of the legendary eateries that Hillsborough Street has to offer – this way you can remind your child of each restaurant's most-nutritional menu item when he or she says, "I have to hang up, my friends are going to eat."
Some places to keep in mind are: Mitch's Tavern, Sadlack's, and Player's Retreat – if you're a parent and an alum, you'll probably remember spending time at one or all of these historic spots. Great food, and easy on your student's wallet as well.
After your meal, be sure to run down to the corner of Peace and Blount streets for an authentic Krispy Kreme donut (or three), baked fresh in the store. There's an up-and-back, cram-a-dozen-doughnuts-in-your-mouth benefit run each year at NC State but that comes later in the semester – feel free to make your own personal family tradition this weekend if you have the stomach for it.
With bellies full, embark on a journey through NC State's main campus. A lot has changed over the past decade, but alums may recall the Free Expression Tunnel – a campus treasure dating back to the 60's that reopened a little over two years ago. New landscaping on both the north and south of the tunnel has made it more attractive than ever.
The tunnel and south wall remain open for painting – hence the name "Free Expression" – so while you are tagging your own political or cultural messages on the wall, be sure to leave a more personal, loving message for your own child: "Joey, Mommy loves you! Be sure to brush your teeth!" should suffice.
When you're done, exit the tunnel's north entrance and head over to the brickyard to see the new-and-improved Atrium. This area was remodeled this year and provides a central gathering place for your student and his or her friends.
While you're in the neighborhood, check out the new learning commons in the east wing of D.H. Hill Library, which just opened last year. This area provides state-of-the-art computer resources as well as video games and social areas for your student to make use of. (Keep this fact in mind when your freshman says he or she just can't go on with life unless you by them a PlayStation 3 or an iPod – send 'em to the library!)
With pizza-box "end tables" and stacked milk crates "dressers," you may find that your student's living space could use a parent's touch. So, on Saturday or Sunday, check out the NC State Fairgrounds flea market – located within walking distance of Saturday's football game – with your student. With hidden treasures a plenty and bargains galore, there are a wealth of things to see and deals to be had. Don't be shy about haggling with the vendors over that purple, 70's-era futon or couch – all they can do is say no.
Finally, one of the best things about going to college in Raleigh is the number of cultural resources nearby. Hop in the car and pay a visit to the local history museum, the museum of natural sciences or the art museum – resources that add to the daily lives of students by allowing them to actually see firsthand what we are learning about in the classroom.
Our busy lives as students find us on campus, off campus and back again, but in the end we've found that NC State is a great place where we truly feel welcome. Here's hoping that you feel the same when you're in town this weekend and that you're able to take part in some of the things that help transform NC State from a place to attend classes into a place to feel at home.
Editor's Note: Joseph Wright is a NC State junior pursuing a double major in English: World Literature and Civil Engineering. He also is the editor-in-chief of Windhover literary & arts magazine, a staff writer for Technician, and a daytime DJ at WKNC 88.1.
