Some people may not like the Comma (the convenience store where Java City used to be). Recently, another Odysessy writer wrote on this topic and things on campus she preferred over the new dining installation. As much as I respect her and her opinion, I disagree that the Comma is worse than all the things in that listicle.

I agree with her in some regard: I damn sure miss the old STU (RIP Einstein's and bagels I could buy with bonus dollars) and I miss Java City as well. I have no arguments there. The dining situation during this strange interim time (STU closed, Upchurch not yet open) is limited. I get it, and as a vegetarian, my options are even more limited than most people.

The Comma, however, does not suck as much as freshmen who wear lanyards. Come on, be fair here.

I miss Java City too, but that's not The Comma's fault. It's actually the impending Starbucks's fault, according to a recent Rotunda article. Longwood didn't get rid of Java City to accommodate a convenience store, they got rid of Java City because sometime this semester (hopefully) Upchurch will open with Starbucks.

The old STU and Java City closed because of the new STU (Upchurch) being built. That's why Java City is gone. The Comma was put there to replace the convenience store that was in the old STU so we'd have something on campus. I'd rather have something there (even if it's just snacks and coffee) than the space be empty.

Instead of being mad at The Comma for existing, appreciate it for what it is. Is it as good as Java City? No, because it's not a coffee shop and it's not trying to be. Was life better when we had more food options on campus and are dining options not be so limited as we await the opening of the new STU? Absolutely yes.

There are lots of things that are better than The Comma. Bagels (being on campus I can buy with bonus dollars), good grades, Joanie statues, convocation, good weather, and when construction is finally completed.

Nobody is saying The Comma is the best part of campus, or that it's an adequate replacement for Java City. It's a convenience store, and it's better than nothing.