By JESSICA SELLS
October 19, 2006

As our student body grows, I think it is important to stress acceptance and courtesy, both of which go hand in hand with respect. Perhaps it is time to let go of our preconceived notions of others and try to get to know them. I’ve had a lot of my former opinions about people and groups change this semester. Does that mean my initial impressions were wrong? Possibly. I think it has more to do with the fact that everyone grows -- and we all become more likable as we grow. There are people I never expected to hang out with, or become friends with, whom I now count among my closest friends.

As for courtesy, we should remember that certain rules exist for a purpose, whether we like the rules or not. For example, Raphael Arthur is a 24-hour quiet dorm. I don’t think I ever hear it quiet, though. It’s frustrating to hear the people next door or down the hall or wherever yelling and cutting up at 2 a.m. If I wanted to live with that kind of noise, I would have lived in the apartments.

There is also an issue with courtesy in the cafeteria. If you don’t have your card, stop by and let the person doing the cards look you up -- don’t just walk by. Our meal costs rise when they have more people eating than those who actually paid.

Along the same vein, library books have due dates so that everyone can make use of those books. If you repeatedly keep your books more than a few days past their due date, you’re not showing courtesy to your fellow students. Haven’t we all been frustrated when we couldn’t find the book we needed?

If there are people waiting to use computers, whether in the library, Holy Grounds, or the labs, please don’t tie up a computer checking your myspace, facebook, or IM-ing people. I’m the biggest myspace addict I know -- and I’m not saying don’t ever check them on campus. But do try be courteous and realize that if people are waiting, they may have work to do. If you are walking around campus with friends, and you see people coming along the opposite direction, pretend you’re in kindergarten and line up. It’s only for a few seconds so you can pass each other!

Apply this same “kindergarten” concept to the halls in Stowe. If you insist on standing in a herd-like manner, at least pay attention to the people who are trying to get through and move aside for them.

Basically, follow your gut and remember common courtesies. The more people who do it, the better our community will be. Respect is key, especially in our growing community.