Since coming to Ithaca College, I have been surprised with the lack of courtesy and manners of people on campus. I asked some other students what bothered them about the way people interact on campus and treat each other. I heard some pretty weird stories and suggestions that I have never thought of before.
My friend was telling me how someone did not hold the elevator when she was about to step in the door. She was shocked that they saw her coming and did nothing. She then ran up the four flights of stairs, carrying her bag of books to catch up with the elevator. “You b****! You saw me coming!” They looked at her, shocked that they had to see her face to face, and didn’t say anything in response. She then stormed away angrily. I am not condoning yelling at random strangers (even though it is hilarious), but she had a point. It is our responsibility as students to make our four years here as pleasant as possible for everyone.
I have noticed that there is one problem that occurs all day on campus, and people act like they do not know how to deal with it—holding doors open. It is very annoying when you have had a long day at the library and you are leaving, realize there is someone behind you, and wait a couple seconds to hold the door open. But in return you receive silence or a “gruff” sound, which might be a “Thank You” if you had the hearing of a German Sheppard.
And then there are those busy times of the day when classes are over. Everyone knows the people who are walking in a huge crowd, see their friend, and then stop right in their tracks to have a loud, 15 minute conversation about their stupid boyfriend who dumped them for the 5th time, because she hooked up with his best friend (they do not mind shouting out their business)—while standing in everyone’s path. They cause collisions between other students and apologies without even realizing it.
Another friend told me about how many problems she has in the dining hall: people cutting in line, bumping her while she’s holding food, and leaving dirty dishes on the table. But what really annoys her is when she is at tea station and people reach over her food to grab a packet of sugar that they could have easily gotten by walking around. But HEY! I’m sure your sleeve adds a certain “zing” to their meal.
Don’t get me wrong. I have met many great, polite people on this campus. But others are not aware of their actions. If you’re one of those people—you still have time to change. And for everyone else, don’t let one rude person ruin your whole day.