Mommy 'Clara'

By Editorial

With only a half a quarter left to go for bewildered seniors, June 12 brings new meaning to commencement. It is essentially the beginning of a new life, without the privileges of living in the bubble.

Despite the rigor of the quarter system, there are some unique advantages to going to a school like Santa Clara. One of the main advantages comes in the form of a card, requiring only a swipe to accomplish even the most herculean tasks. This is the all-powerful Access card.

Access cards make life easy and plentiful for students, literally giving them "access" to everything from food to building access, computer facilities and the gym.

In the real world, access cards do not exist. The only thing to swipe is a credit card, which usually carries a hefty interest rate. There are also very little perks to a credit card, except for the occasional promotional award.

Even businesses around the area have gotten on the Access card boat, offering students the option to swipe. Students have the option to use their cards to pay for even basic things such as laundry.

If a student needs advice, there are a number of advisors he or she has: financial aid, health services, academic and other backup aids like tutors.

And, if you live on campus, everything that would require a monthly bill in the real world is provided: computer and Internet access, cable, telephone services, water and electricity. Housing also makes it convenient for students by providing brooms, cleaning supplies and garbage bags. Other universities charge their students for these services.

Santa Clara has set up a world that is structured around our needs. But then again, that's why students are paying about $40,000 a year: to live in a bubble.

Unfortunately, its time for seniors to give up the advantages of being a Santa Clara student and to step into a world where palm trees don't line the streets.