MSMS Goen residents moved into the newly renovated Goen Hall on Nov. 15. The day marked a long-anticipated return after months of renovations. Despite minor challenges, both students and staff reflected on the move as an overall success.
“It was a long time coming. I think everybody was anxious to get back over here,” Goen Hall Director LaToya Bledsoe said. “I was very anxious, nervous about how things were going to go because students were not properly prepared like they should have been. But, we were ahead of schedule. We just did excellent, so we got it done.”
Bledsoe said that teamwork played a crucial role in the day’s success.
“With the faculty helping and having [staff] stationed [in different positions], I think it eased the load and made the transition even easier than I thought it would be,” she said. “For the most part, everything is back over here except for some minor things.”
Goen residents, on the other hand, said they had mixed experiences during the transition.
Senior Yaerim Choi said the process went more smoothly than many students anticipated.
“I think people were expecting the worst-case scenario to happen. Everyone was packed and ready to move, and when it was my [floor’s] turn, everything went quickly,” she said. “I live on the second floor, so by the time it was our turn, the other floors had already gone, and we were ready. For people who had heavy stuff, like big cabinets, it was a little more challenging, but there were always people around willing to help.”
Choi also had a positive view of the renovated dorms.
“It’s a lot better. I couldn’t wish for it to be any different,” she said. “The rat on the second floor was kind of funny, but I wasn’t there that weekend. Someone sent me a picture of its hind legs, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ I haven’t seen one since, so I think [administration is] taking care of it.”
Junior Rebecca Sun moved into Goen Hall a few days early due to a debate competition but encountered her own set of challenges.
“It was raining when I moved my stuff, and the cart kept getting stuck in the rocky parking lot,” she said. “Everything got wet, and we had to push the cart just to get it moving. The elevator was super dusty that day, and it didn’t feel like the building was ready for us to move in yet.”
Sun said she was surprised at the unexpected pests some students reported.
“I never saw the rat, but my suitemates did,” she said. “One of them told me she got chased down the hallway by it. It’s crazy, but I’m glad I haven’t had to deal with that.”
Bledsoe said she acknowledged the pest issues, calling them “unwanted visitors” and emphasized control efforts.
“Other than that, I think everything about the transition and just the overall experience of being back in this space has been good,” she said. “Especially for our seniors, they’re excited to be back and have the full experience of living here again.”
Plans are already underway for similar renovations at Frazer Hall, which will take place next summer.
