Testimony of Rocco Puno
Class of 2013
New York University
Before the New York City Council
For the Public Hearing on the New York University Core Project
June 29, 2012
Dear Chairman Weprin and Fellow Council Members,My name is Rocco Puno and I am a rising senior. I grew up outside New York and was extremely excited to come to the city. I felt that I would be the perfect student to deal with the complexity, dynamism, and culture that the city is known for. But one aspect that I discovered that I might not have been prepared for was the issue of space. When I first got to my apartment, it certainly was not what I expected. But I figured that I could manage. When I entered the subway during rush hour for the first time, that was certainly a pushing war. I could deal with that. However, when it came to my education and harnessing the skills that I came here for, I needed that space. Personally, as a representative for the Student Government and my fraternity for booking rooms, I’ve struggled to book space in our own building. Everything from student elections to chapter meetings, I’ve had to jockey my way into getting space with organizations that are just as deserving. I’ve gone through our staircase and have heard some of the most beautiful voices, but they are in the stairs because there is no space for them to practice. I’ve seen students forego club events simply because there is no space to have them. I’ve seen students commute up to midtown just to find a place to study because the study space is all filled up.
By the time this expansion is finished, I will be long gone as a student. But the reason why I want to see this happen is because I want future students to not have the difficulties we have gone through. I want students to be able to hone the talents they were brought here for. I want future students to have the opportunity to be the best they can be by giving them the space to do so.
I would like to conclude by thanking you for lending your time to a 20-year old. I hope that when you think about this plan, you think about the student that it ultimately serves. I have met some of the most dynamic and interesting people at this school, and I hope that we continue to attract that group by growing as a University and by extension as a community.
Thank you,
Rocco
