This is a reflection of my group’s Amazon presentation, as well as some of the readings.

Amazon is, a without a doubt, a huge marketplace. Amazon has dominated the market, even pushing its competition either out of business or close to it. One example of such is Staples. Amazon has quickly become the main competitor of Staples, an office goods niche company. Staples has had a nationwide decrease in revenue as Amazon becomes a behemoth. However, what is alarming, in smaller scales, is what it is doing to local businesses. The smaller stores simply cannot compete with Amazon’s large scale distribution of goods. Sure, there is the argument that smaller stores should adapt to the changing times or even sell on Amazon itself. However, there is a problem that local communities will simply vanish. One example of this, that hits close to me, is the town of Amherst. I interviewed Nat Herald, the co-owner of Amherst Books today. He mentioned to me that there used to be eight books stores, two hardware stores, and a fish market in Amherst town. Inevitably Amazon and the lack of support from UMass caused this reduction in local businesses.As I spoke to Nat I realized how much that UMass had turned its back on the community.  The town of Amherst receives some support from Amherst College, a private university. However, UMass Amherst continues to create an oasis for students, depriving them of the need to experience the culture of the town of Amherst. Structures such as the campus Amazon pick up, bluewall, and an overall strive to keep students on campus cause local communities to not be able to thrive.

Why is this important? As a student, this may not be concerning. Having all the conveniences needed close to your dorm is probably preferred. However, think about the professors, the community, the quality of experience. To a professor or staff member at UMass Amherst, having a local town that you can connect to is valuable. This would show that Amherst is not just a place they work at but rather a place they live in as well. Having this connection is important. As a student don’t you want your professor to be happy with where they live? Being happy with where professors live may influence the quality of their teaching, their willingness to help students with individual problems, and their affinity to invite their qualified colleagues to teach in the area as well. The community is so important as a college student. Formal education is what draws us to a University, and what you take away could potentially be so much more. With local businesses come job opportunities and internships. Real world experience in the field that you are pursuing. Further, becoming involved in the community is fulfilling and completes your experience.