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Also: Reactivating Activism and Hosting Hype
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Photograph by Flint Born
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Before they began shopping for classes, a group of 17 first-years had
some more serious shopping to do. They were participants in one of 47 Freshman
Week trips designed to acquaint new students with Boston's trademarks-both
classic and quirky. Other groups visited such sites as Beacon Hill and the
Boston Athenaeum. The shopping trip, entitled "I just can't pay retail,"
was led by administrative assistant to the dean of freshmen (and top-notch
bargain hunter) Lorri McDaniel. For two days, frosh gaped at the vastness
of Filene's Basement, the clutter of Dollar-A-Pound, the kitsch of The Garment
District (a store where vintage clothing is arranged by color), and the
chaos of the garment district milieu.
Most of the bargain hunters ensured the integrity of their quest by bringing
as little money as possible. For some, paying bottom dollar is a matter
of principle. "Retail is over-priced, and I don't believe in name brands,"
says Francis Shen. When Elise Alschuler finds a great buy, she feels
"a victory over the garment industry that charges $4,000 for a pair
of pants." And for several first-years from sunnier climes, bargains
are a necessity: two women from California were hoping to outfit themselves
inexpensively for the fast approaching Cambridge winter.
~ Miriam Udel Lambert
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