Whether you need to print your Lang project last second, cram for a Global test (because you completely forgot it was that day), or find the perfect book to lose yourself in, the RHS Media Center has it all. As Anya Wang reflected in an RDA article last year, “No matter what a Ridge student is looking for, chances are, they’ll find their exact solution in our very own media center”.
With media center specialists who will always make your day, and millions of resources, we wanted to take a second to highlight some of our favorite parts of the media center:
1] Our Media Center Specialists/Aids
It goes without saying that our Media Center Specialists/Aides are some of the nicest people you will meet. Always ready to answer your questions (even if its the 400th time someone has asked what printer they should print to) or give amazing book recommendations, without them, the media center would not be what it is today.
2] The Books
With social media constantly stealing our attention, and barely any free time to spare, it’s easy to forget about the thousands of books waiting on the shelves of our media center. But as Ms. Gallow reminded us last year, “books can really change people’s lives.” Whether you’re into thrillers, fantasy, memoirs, or something totally different, there’s something here for everyone. And, if you’re unsure what to read, Ms. Gallow, Mrs. Beekman and Mrs. Gorczakowski are always available to help you find your perfect next book.
3] Craft Corner
The Craft Corner has not only saved me on countless projects, but is the perfect place to destress. From Perler Beads to Yarn and friendship bracelet string to felt, the media center has all the supplies for your next craft project. Need guidance? The Craft Club meets weekly in 413, right next door, bringing creative ideas and lots of inspiration.
4] Displays
One of my favorite things to look at in the media center are the monthly displays (partly because I could never make something so aesthetic). The displays provide book recommendations, spotlights on Ridge Events (like our recent play!) and Alumni (most recently, Helen J. Shen, who is starring in Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway), and celebrations of heritage months such as AAPI.
5] Studying
Particularly this year, when it feels impossible to keep up with the ever increasing pile of college applications and schoolwork, I’ve found myself spending countless hours studying in the Media Center. Whether it’s after school, during lunch, or during study halls, it’s the perfect place to study with friends — quiet enough to focus, but still full of energy.
6] Chromebook help
Chromebook stuck on the login page for what seems like hours? Tabs frozen into eternity? Not to fear — the media center’s tech support and loaner Chromebooks will ensure you get to class quickly (to my dismay).
7] PRINTING
It had to be in all caps. Walking into the media center at 8:00 am, there are already lines of people waiting behind the computers, waiting to print the projects they forgot were due in 20 minutes. These printers have saved me countless times, and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if we go through hundreds of sheets of paper a day.
8] Database passwords/info
This is one of the things I wish I’d used earlier. Our Media Center holds logins to newspapers like the New York Times (which we also get in print!!), and databases like Ebsco and JSTOR, all of which have been vital when doing research, or even when writing about RDA itself. Without those logins, I’d still be trapped behind paywalls forever.
9] Board Games
From Banana Grams (which I really suck at for some reason) to Apples to Apples, I only got through May of my Junior year because of the board games in the media center. Burnt out and done with everything after APs, these board games were a great way to destress and hang out with friends.
We’ve only listed nine aspects, but the list could go on. So, the next time you’re itching for a good read or need to destress, take a stroll to the RHS Media Center — you might just find something to brighten up your day.