by Rowan O’Brien-Williams

Here’s the deal: the hallways at STA are too crammed. Hallways are passageways. Unlike a classroom, which is meant for sitting, a hallway is meant for people in motion – people trying to get to class. However, at STA, students not only walk through these hallways, they sleep, congregate, stall, and, yes, even jump on each other in them. How can a student get to class on time if she has to navigate an obstacle course just to get there?

Multi-tasking is the key. You want to talk with your friends, right? Well, do it while you walk. There’s no need to stop while chatting with someone. News flash: your legs and your mouth work at the same time. If you find it ABSOLUTELY necessary to speak with someone, move to the side. It’s kind of like driving. You don’t stop in the middle of the road to answer the phone, do you?

Adhere to hallway etiquette. If you’re going down the stairs, stay on the right side. Interestingly enough, if you’re going up the stairs stay on the right side as well. Don’t abruptly stop in the middle of the hallway. There are people behind you who prefer to not to face plant into the back of your backpack.

Remember where you are. The hallway is not your bedroom. It’s all right to lean on the walls of the hallway off to the side, but don’t sprawl out in the middle of the floor. And while you’re at it, don’t block lockers and drinking fountains. People actually need to use those things during the school day. Go figure. The hallway isn’t a jungle gym either. Yeah, it’s fun to tackle your friends, but not one foot away from 20 other people. Your friend thinks getting tackled is funny, everyone else doesn’t.

Keep STA students happy. When I arrive, sleep-deprived, to school around 7:30 am, I don’t like to navigate through multiple flights of stairs just to reach my advisory. I also don’t like it when people who aren’t even in my advisory block the doorway from the hall so that I can’t get in. People, pay attention to where you are in the mornings. If you’re blocking someone, don’t just stand there, MOVE. Yes, you’re tired, but so is everyone else. Pay attention to what you’re doing and you’ll make the people around you that much happier.

It makes sense. De-congesting the hallways benefits all STA students. Think about it. We only have a five minute passing period. That time constraint in and of itself doesn’t leave much wiggle room, or should I say talking room. Getting to class on time makes students and teachers much more content. Students don’t have to sprint up countless flights of stairs because they’re late to class and teachers can actually start class on time. Keep walking, we would all appreciate it.