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Contributing opinion writer

Mac M. Mertens

Latest Articles

Cover image for A Fundamental Reckoning Awaits the Humanities. It Shouldn’t Alarm Us.
Opinion

A Fundamental Reckoning Awaits the Humanities. It Shouldn’t Alarm Us.

By Mac M. Mertens  • 

The next decade might be the most important time for the humanities in history. Instead of sweeping top-down changes in the name of progress or utility, the ship must right itself.


Cover image for In Defense of the New Housing Day
Opinion

In Defense of the New Housing Day

By Mac M. Mertens  • 

The importance of Housing Day isn’t the exact day of the week on which it falls, but the fact that it happens in the first place. Instead of lamenting the loss of a random Thursday before spring break, students should welcome the change.


Cover image for Visit The Harvard Archives
Opinion

Visit The Harvard Archives

By Mac M. Mertens  • 

Our University’s history is far more extensive than buildings and statues. The direct experiences and ponderings of its founders, most notable alumni, and more are at our finger tips.


Cover image for Our Professors Say We Don’t Care Enough about Our Classes. What Did You Expect?
Opinion

Our Professors Say We Don’t Care Enough about Our Classes. What Did You Expect?

By Mac M. Mertens  • 

These activities give us purpose and prepare us for life beyond academia. Harvard’s mission to develop “citizen-leaders” can’t succeed if leadership and learning are treated as separate goals.


Cover image for Dissent: Lowering College Costs Starts at the Top
Opinion

Dissent: Lowering College Costs Starts at the Top

By Mac M. Mertens  • 

We must acknowledge the role the Ivy League has in setting the tone for American universities and realize, in this case, that congress has a point.


Cover image for Harvard Students Have Grocery Options. We Refuse To Use Them.
Opinion

Harvard Students Have Grocery Options. We Refuse To Use Them.

By Mac M. Mertens  • 

While oft-repeated claims of CVS’s price gouging are believable yet harmless, the notion that Harvard Square lacks an accessible grocery store is plainly false. It’s time to put these rumors to bed for good.


Cover image for I’ll Say It: Harvard Square Doesn’t Suck
Opinion

I’ll Say It: Harvard Square Doesn’t Suck

By Mac M. Mertens  • 

We can’t stop change. Thankfully, in this case, it is serving us well. So the next time you criticize Harvard Square’s commercialization, think: When was the last time you had a Jefe’s bowl?


Cover image for Harvard’s School Spirit Is Pathetic. Tailgate Restrictions Only Make it Worse.
Opinion

Harvard’s School Spirit Is Pathetic. Tailgate Restrictions Only Make it Worse.

By Mac M. Mertens  • 

I always assumed that pride in college football teams was a given. But then I came to Harvard.


Cover image for It’s Time To Make Doubles a Thing of the Past
Opinion

It’s Time To Make Doubles a Thing of the Past

By Mac M. Mertens  • 

Harvard's House renovations overlook what could be the most significant improvement to students’ quality of life: increasing the number of single rooms available.


Cover image for Housing a Happier Harvard
Opinion

Housing a Happier Harvard

By Mac M. Mertens  • 

Harvard freshmen should be happy to call their dorms home. That happiness is worth the investment.

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