Question 1: 

Dear Editor,

I am deeply troubled by a mystery this college continues to ignore: the unexplained disappearance of socks from the dorm laundry room. I put in four socks. I return to find one. Maybe two, if the laundry gods feel merciful.

I would blame the machines, but let’s be honest, we all know who the real masterminds are: the squirrels. The same ones who hold their secret board meetings by the koi pond. I am fully convinced they are stealing our socks and converting them into tiny winter sleeping bags. Honestly? I respect the hustle, but I also need my socks back.

I believe it’s time the college acknowledges this crisis. At minimum, maybe we could teach the squirrels to knit their own tiny sweaters and leave our laundry alone.

Sincerely,

A Student Tired of Wearing Mismatched Socks (Lauren Hutchens, Class of 2027)

Answer:

Dear Lauren, 

I appreciate you bringing this issue to my attention. I believe that the squirrels on our campus have become way too cocky. Sometimes I’ll be walking from the Science Building to ‘72, and one will cross my path, and give me this unbelievably rude look, as if I’m the one in their way. Don’t even get me started on their recreational use of the fountains. Y’all ever seen that little ladder in the one behind Main Hall? Yes, that was built in their interest, believe it or not. I say we get rid of it. Let them drown. 

Well, no. I’m kidding, of course. What would Salem be without our nutty mongrels? I love our little squirrel friends, even if they think they are our official mascot. I don’t have the heart to break it to them that our mascot is actually way more macabre. (Go Spirits!)

Warmly,

-Clare Buchanan

Salemite Editor-in-Chief

Question 2:

Dear Editor-In-Chief Clare Buchanan, 

There is a chill in the air, partly from the weather, but also from the looming flu season that preys

on college students. I feel, and I believe many others do, another creeping chill about the future

of healthcare in the United States. With some places like Florida considering removing vaccine

mandates in schools, this is a scary time for health care, especially for college students, as we are learning how to independently manage our health for the first time.

This is why I believe it is the duty of colleges to foster student health. On-campus healthcare

clinics are often the first line of defense for disease outbreaks in students and will be even more impactful if other states follow in Florida’s footsteps. It is crucial that students gain experience and positive associations with healthcare when young. Student healthcare centers are the perfect place to do this. 

As many of us know, Salem College prides itself on Health Leadership. Yet, our on-campus

health services are only open for 15 hours a week in the mornings and staffed by one person. There is growing student support to extend our on-campus health service hours as a first step in improving our services.

Salem College now has the opportunity to put our values into action and model for other 

universities the importance of a strong health center. Let’s advocate for our health services and collaborate with our administration so our healthcare can be as remarkable as we are.

Carrie Reagler

Answer: 

Dear Carrie,

Thank you for your letter. You are very astute. The issues you brought up are extremely important for the well-being of our community and need to be addressed.

I will admit, I do find it interesting that for a college so focused on health leadership, students have limited access to on-campus health services. (Eeek!) Is that cheap of me to say? I don’t think so, because I’ve heard the same concerns you’ve expressed, Carrie, within my own friend group. Following the switch from Novant Health to Atrium Health this year, Health Services is now only open from 9 am to 12 pm on Monday-Friday. This schedule does not allow much flexibility for students, especially if your mornings are booked with classes or sports practice. 

Carrie, I would suggest talking to your class representative about this issue and seeing what can be accomplished. I would also recommend to all readers that we open the conversation up and work to find a better way to accommodate our students’ health needs.

When a student’s health is jeopardized due to negligence, it’s hard to show up to class, show up for friends, and it makes it challenging to enjoy the college experience. Salem College should know this more than any other college in the Triad area, since we are educating America’s future “health leaders.” 

We can do better. 

Warmly,

-Clare Buchanan

Salemite Editor-in-Chief