“Makerspace” Coming to Plymouth?

“Makerspace” Coming to Plymouth?

Sandra Gurall
For The Clock
sagurall@plymouth.edu

While interviewing Hannah Andry for an article I was writing, she asked if The Clock could mention a project she was working on for her major. Hannah is a senior in Professional Communications and she is co-chairing a project called “Mini-Makerspace.” You may have heard about Makerspaces in recent newspaper and magazine articles. Makerspaces are areas or designated spaces that bring people together to learn about different creative endeavors that can be guided or learned on one’s own. Their purpose is to provide not only creativity and learning but to give people a place to commune while they work on projects.

Hannah is enrolled in an Event Marketing class that is headed by Professor Terri Dautcher. The class was given ideas about projects they could work on. Hannah teamed up with Zach Glennon and the two co-chair the project, Mini Makerspace, while working with other students from the class. The whole idea is to take a space and make it an area that students could work creatively together while getting to know each other.

While investigating a dorm floor to see who knew each other, they found 20 students who had no idea who their neighbors were. Some students admitted they felt is was too late in the semester to ask another students name for fear of reprisal. Hannah wants to take that fear away by making spaces where students come out of their rooms and get to know each other.

Noting how much some students are on their phones or computers, Hannah feels they may be missing out on a chance to get to know their fellow student. While commenting that technology is a wonderful tool she says that she has misgivings about the amount of time students spend attached to equipment. She told me she would like to “light a fire” and get students out of their rooms to have face-to-face conversations.

The first “Mini Makerspace” is set to begin construction sometime in late April. Materials and donations have been made by local businesses, families, and by bake sale events. Materials will be provided or students can bring their own goods to the appropriated site. Students can ask their RA’s or CA’s for information on the designated areas. The targeted market will also include the family when prospective students are touring the college. Hannah wants students who are considering Plymouth State University to realize it is a fun, safe environment with students who care about each other.

I would be amiss if I didn’t mention Hannah’s fervor for Professor Dautcher, and her friends here at school. “Having community, mentors, and friends all around, it is what has made me who I am today. And that’s what its all about.” She wants other students to have the kind of experience she has had. To promote getting out and supporting other students she has asked me to mention the “Chili Cookoff ” and “PSU Talent Show” that are coming up. Two events where people can support each other and get “face to face” for some good old fashioned communication.

COURTESY PHOTO