Introduction

The University of Arizona is one of the highest ranked schools in the nation. As one enters the school, you walk down a long street until eventually ending up at Old Main. Although Old Main is the main attraction of the school, behind Old Main is where all of the action occurs. The University of Arizona mall is a spacious area with many different areas of grass where activities occur daily such as Greek fundraisers, beautiful sunsets, tailgates, and religious discussions. 

Community Space

One of the main things the University of Arizona’s main mall is used for is a space for community activities to take place. Every fall, the Greek fraternity Pi Kappa Phi puts on a charity event called “War of Roses” that involves each sorority raising money for their philanthropy. Their philanthropy is PUSH America, which is a national service organization devoted to providing resources and raising awareness for the disabled. There are many different activities that the sororities participate in such as a wheelbarrow race, “Greek idol”, and many more. I am proud to say that my sorority, Alpha Phi, came in first place last year! In this picture is my sorority and all of the participants who raised an extraordinary amount of money by receiving donations from generous students and friends. Although this only happens one weekend out of the year, many different Greek organizations use the mall space all the time. As you walk through campus every day there are different fraternities representing themselves. They are trying to recruit people who are interested in the same things as them and encourage them to become an active member. The mall is a very spacious area, which allows these events to easily and efficiently take place. Although it may just seem like an area to meet friends to walk to class, it is much more than that. It is an area to bring people together and to form friendships and alliances.

Enjoying the Sunset

As you walk down the mall during the evening, all the chaos has slowed down and the calm breeze of the palm trees is very relaxing. All of the lights and the sunset that reflects off the mountains work together to create beautiful and calming nights. Many people take walks, jogs, or even just lay on the grass to relax. As you walk up and down the mall as the sun begins to set, you are able to see the stars and enjoy the peace until the next morning when the chaos starts all over again and college kids are running to class, playing Frisbee, and searching for a place to find the cheapest priced coffee on their Catcard. If you were walking around the mall during the day, you would never expect this picture to be able to be taken from the location of the University of Arizona mall. It seems as if life never slows down, no matter what day or time it is. 

Tailgates

One of the most common reasons that students go to the University of Arizona is because of their extremely well known sports program. They are very talented at football, basketball, and many other sports. During the fall at the start of every school year, students look forward to football games. Dressing in all red, the fireworks before the game start, and waiting in hour long lines to get in with their Zona-zoo pass is nothing but a thrill for the typical student. Before the game, friends and families all gather together and participate in a tailgate on the mall. There are hundreds of different tents set up that supply food, beverages, and entertainment. As you walk down the mall, you will see all different ages of people gathered together to support the Wildcats. You will see little boys tossing the football on the sidewalk, aspiring to be a Wildcat player one day. You will see college students running around going from all the different activities at frat houses and then going over to the mall to get food before the game starts. You will see alumni all coming together to reminisce on their college game days, some wishing they were still at that point of their life. You will see parents laughing together and enjoying each other’s company. On game days, the energy is extremely positive and high and everyone gathers around the grassy mall for a good time.

Expressing Beliefs

The most controversial part of the mall is when students and other people use the mall as a location to express their beliefs. There are so many different opinions in this world, and they are all brought to the University of Arizona mall every day. There is always an old man screaming about Jesus, or groups of people protesting against abortions. Although this may seem horrendous to many people, it is bringing diversity to our campus. Many people have problems with what the protestors are saying, but are mature enough to just ignore them and let them go. I witness this almost every day walking to class, usually during the morning. With the mall being such a popular place, it is no surprise that it attracts this type of attention. It catches many people by surprise, but these people strongly feel that they need to express their beliefs. Arizona is known for their diversity in studies, students, and now the mall allows diversity in people’s beliefs to be shown too. 

Conclusion

The University of Arizona mall is very beautiful and spacious. Although it may seem to be just a space where college students relax in between classes, it is so much more than that. It is an area that benefits the community, as well as the school. It opens our minds to new ideas through people and other students supporting their beliefs. It is also a place to relax, and think. The mall is a spectacular place, and is accesible to anyone at any time.