Just over two years ago, I stood outside of McIntyre Dorm ready for my first day of class at Hillsdale. Overwhelmed by the nerves and excitement of my first day of college, I typed Kendall Hall into Google Maps and went on my way.
At the time I didn’t know what the day, or the years would hold. I certainly didn’t know it then, but I know it now: Kendall is better than Lane, and it isn’t even close.
If I am not at the Roche Sports Complex, the Collegian office, or my dorm, then you can without a doubt find me in Kendall Hall. The once-strange building has become my home.
Most rhetoric & public address and journalism classes are in Kendall Hall, but that isn’t the only reason why I love it. Upon entry into Kendall, you are greeted with a gorgeous painting of Harry and Marguerite Kendall, who also established a scholarship for Hillsdale students from their home state of Oregon.
The lighting in Kendall is brighter than Lane, almost mimicking sunlight, which makes it hard to even have seasonal depression in the winter.
Then, there are the conference rooms on the fourth floor. While Kendall and Lane share features, this one is unique to Kendall. The two conference rooms have a giant table with fun, comfortable swiveling chairs. There’s also a white board covering one wall in each, perfect for lectures.
But the best part is the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the north and south sides of campus, one of which gives you the best view of Central Hall. For this reason, the fourth floor conference rooms make the best spot to people-watch, or sunbathe.
Kendall also is the best place to grab a bite to eat on campus. Every day just before 11 a.m., a line forms down the second-floor hall as students eagerly wait to get lunch from the grab-and-go station.
Not only does having the ability to grab food from an academic building save time, but it is healthy and often better tasting than what is served in the dining hall.
Lane Hall enthusiasts might argue that Jitters, the coffee shop in Lane, is a much better asset, but when it comes down to it, the coffee at Jitters is watered down, and they only serve minimal snacks. There is nothing healthy and nothing of substance that helps you get through the day.
A few years ago, I was the embarrassing girl following Google walking directions on my phone to navigate Hillsdale’s campus. Now, I can’t get enough of Kendall Hall and could walk there with my eyes closed. It has become more than just an academic building, and that is something Lane will never provide.
Reagan Gensiejewski is a junior studying rhetoric & public address. She is an assistant editor for The Collegian.
