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R The Rostrum
Photo by Rachel Dethloff
March 27, 2009 VOLUME II ISSUE 7 DEXTER HIGH SCHOOL 2200 N. PARKER ROAD DEXTER, MI 48130
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trends
The Rostrum
Staff Playlist
Such Great Highs Boten Anna By: Iron and Wine By: Basehunter “It’s perfect to fall asleep to.” “The crazy beat and the Candice Wiesner sweetest lyrics really Head designer speak to me.” Andy Whitaker Staff writer
Don’t tell me its over By: Gym Class Heros feat. Lil’ Wayne “I like this song because Gym Class Hero goes well with Lil’ Wayne.” Garret Camilleri Photographer
4UVEFOUT TQPSU UIF #BKB IPPEJFT Ashley Burleson staff writer
As junior Kelsey Mitchell walks through the halls wearing her black and gray Baja hoodie shirt, she turns heads. Students whisper and point as she walks by them, but Mitchell just keeps on going. “The style is sweet,” Mitchell said. “I just like them.” Baja hoodie shirts, known to some as “drug rug” are becoming popular. One place students buy these hoodies is at Orchid Lane in Ann Arbor. “The customer base who buys the Bajas is diverse, from guys to girls, tall to short, heavy to thin, young to old. The Baja hoodie is a good fit for just about everyone,” Leif Elias from Orchid Lane said. While some students are picking up on this trend, others look down at those who wear them. “People are mean to me when I wear it,” Mitchell said. “Some people call me a llama herder.” Although students insult Mitchell, she said she doesn’t care. Mitchell has been wearing these hoodies for about a year and said she plans to keep wearing them. “They’re different. They’re not the same as other hoodies,” Mitchell said. These hoodies are made to be warm so they can be worn during the colder months. Some students are even bold
enough to even wear them during warmer seasons. “We sell lots of Bajas all throughout the year, with the bulk of them being sold in November and December,” Elias said. “Every year we seem to be selling more than the previous year.” These hoodies are even taking over colleges. “I found mine in my sister’s closet up at Michigan State University and started wearing it.” Mitchell said. “I ask people where to get them, and they don’t know” Baja hoodies are priced low at places such as Orchid Lane for $15. These hoodies are available in mens and womens. Mitchell has a mens. “It’s too short on me,” Mitchell said. “The hood’s small, the shirt’s wide and itchy, but it’s still comfortable.” And students wear these hoodies with just about anything. “I wear jeans or sweat pants,” Mitchell said. “It doesn’t really matter.” Like many students, Mitchell isn’t sure why these hoodies are called drug rugs. “I think it’s because when you wear them it honestly looks like you’re on drugs,” Mitchell said. Mitchell said she plans to keep wearing these hoodies for awhile. “They say that a person is creative and different,” Mitchell said. “I really like them.”
All Star By:Smash Mouth “It makes me think of the jungle gym and fifth grade.” Ally Sutter Staff writer
Such Great Heights By: Postal Service “The sweet beat and smooth lyrics remind me why I enjoy being alive.” Alexander Dobbs Staff writer
#FBOJFT LFFQ UIF OPHHJO XBSN Max Berry staff writer
As junior Waleed Mansour walks outside to face the harsh winter weather every morning, he needs protection from the bitter cold. To protect himself, he chooses the fashionable solution and dons a beanie. This warm, knitted cap covers his ears and also looks good, two of the many reasons that the beanie has become so popular. Mansour even shows support for his favorite sports team by wearing a beanie graced with the logo of the Denver Broncos. “It’s cold out, and I love the Broncos,” Mansour said. “It’s the perfect solution.” Sophomore Jeff Pituch also recognizes the practicality and sensibility of the beanie. He can often be seen sporting a green and yellow one in the hallways. “I crocheted it myself,” Pituch said. “I needed it because everyone always has their hands all over my bald head, so now my beanie protects me from whatever’s out there.” Mansour and Pituch also like beanies because they say they are trendy, and they like to look stylish. “Women love the beanies,” Mansour said. “They definitely increase my sex appeal.” As a matter of fact, when rocking his orange Broncos beanie, Mansour
can often be seen with a girl on each arm as he makes his way to his next class. Mansour’s use of the beanie continues a tradition of trendiness that dates back to the early 1900s. The beanie, or tuque to the Canucks, has been around since the beginning of the 20th century. Only recently, however, have beanies returned to popularity, thanks to the grunge movement of the 1990s. They are now an essential part of any fashionable person’s wardrobe. However, there is some controversy over the name “beanie,” and different people use different terms to describe the trendy items sitting atop their heads. “It’s a winter cap,” Mansour said. “Nobody uses the word ‘beanie’ and expects to be taken seriously.” Pituch takes a different stance. “I call it a hat,” said Pituch. “It’s just a hat.” It seems that the term “beanie” is slowly becoming extinct. Yet, the fashion lives on. Whether you support your favorite sports team with your “hat” or rock your “winter cap” just to pick up some ladies, the general idea is the same. These hats provide warmth and, depending who you are, style as well. “My beanie is my life,” said junior Kurt Miller. “I’d be lost without it.”
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The Rostrum
get involved
Allison Sutter health editor
“Sixty five? We got seventy. Seventy and a quarter? Going once going twice sold for seventy to the girl in the corner,� senior Steve Merz said. Merz was one of the auctioneers at the 23rd annual food auction which took place on March 20. The food auction is a National Honor Society-sponsored event, and NHS seniors Annie Oxner and Amanda Eberbach put it all together. “All proceeds go to the Muscular Dystorphy and Cystic Fibrosis Association,� Eberbach said. “It’s a really good chance for a fundraiser sponsored by the NHS. It’s a good opportunity to get restaurants, $SPNQUPO SVOT UIF TIPX Senior Scott Crompstores and people to be involved with the tonwas one of the auctioneers along with seniors Steve Merz, Mike Szymusiak, and Chris Carrender. schools and the community.� The food, all donated or bought by ticket saless and money donated by teachers and local buisnesses raised a re-
Friday, March 27, 2009
cord $2107. “We weren’t trying to compete with the fundraiser last year, but we try and do the best each year,� Eberbach said. Twenty-three years ago science teacher Cheryl Wells put together the first senior food auction. “We put seniors in the cafeteria and auctioned food to 80 or so seniors and raised about $400,� Wells said. “Every year it gets better and better because more seniors and teachers have participated. There is a steak grill, ice cream bar, and lots of pizza. There are a lot of traditions that have built over the past 23 years.� The food auction took place during third hour and was a substitute for lunch. “We are put together packets of food that start between $5 and
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$10,� Eberbach said. “It could be a few pieces of pizza and some pie or a whole pizza and a two liter.� And many seniors said they felt good knowing they were participating in an event that helps people in need. “My heart was full of joy because we raised more money than any other class for charity,� senior Steve Merz said. “I was happy to be able to be a part of it.�
Photos by Lauren Mclaughlin
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Emily VanDuesen copy editor
Almost every day, it seems as if a new Internet predator is introduced on the news, with a seedy looking mug shot accompanying a foreboding headline, such as “Girl Missing for 24 Hours,� or “Internet Predator Strikes Again.� As these situations grow with the advancement of computers and the web, Internet safety has become a priority for many adults who are concerned with the increased access to their children’s personal information. In Dexter, the Internet safety concern is being tackled head-on by a brigade of high schoolers calling themselves the “Web Chicks.� “We meet every two weeks and make presentations,� club member and junior Annie Coogan said. “Then we go to places like Mill Creek and Creekside, where we promote Internet safety and raise awareness.� For Coogan and her fellow Web Chicks, the purpose of their meetings and presentations is to learn and teach about the many aspects of the world wide web, including privacy, predators and porn, as well as other technology like texting. According to Coogan, the meetings usually start with icebreakers, like sharing fun facts or talking about their days. “Then Jenni (the leader) usually leads us in a discussion about a certain topic like cyber bullying or something. She usually has a powerPoint and clips to show us,� senior club member Haley Brewster said. After the girls themselves have been educated about the day’s topic, the next step is to plan how to spread
Illustration by Gabe Altomare
share what they learned through presentations for younger students, skits, T-shirts and more. “We like to make the presentations kid-friendly, because I think that’s the best way to take it all in--we know what it’s like to just sit in classes,� Coogan said. “I think it will definetaly influence students,� Brewster said, “because we hope they realize that once you do or say something in the cyber world it’s out their for good.� According to Coogan, the group was started at Dexter two years ago and went on a one-year hiatus before returning this year for a second round. “We got asked
to join by Prnicipal (Kit) Moran and Assistant Principal (Tim) Authier in the beginning of December,� Coogan said. “Our first meeting was during lunch one day, and it was very interesting, so I wanted to learn more.� Other schools in the area, such as Milan and Saline, have similar programs, all with the goal of promoting Internet safety and awareness. “I think it’s important because the whole cyber world like texting and the internet is a huge part of everyones lives,� Brewster said. “People don’t really realize all the benefits and the dangers of it.�
The Rostrum
the spread
Club Spor ts Behind
Talor Neely staff writer
•Rugby gets the bulk of its funds from player registration fees. Rugby is sponsored by Chaucer Consulting, Dexter Pub, Foggy Bottom and the Dexter Pharmacy. Shirts are also sold to raise funds and awareness for the team. •Dexter Community Aquatic Club (DCAC) gets the majority of its funds from registration fees charged to the swimmers. DCAC hosts a swim meet known as the Red, White and Blue Classic. It uses this meet as a fundraiser by charging a fee to swim per event. •The Washtenaw Whippets
Field Hockey Team uses Active Team Fundraising, a company that provides various fundraisers, to raise money for the team. They also have many sponsors, including: Village Motor Sales, Inc; Midwest Turf & Snow; Dexter Pub; Cranesbill Books; Chelsea Big Boy; Mike’s Deli; Lane Animal Hospital; Irresistible Tan and Creekside Grill & Bar.
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Sources: Vern Powell, Paul Burke, Mike Merriman, Denise Neely, http://www.eteamz. com/michiganfieldhockey/ index.cfm?league=336090
was an All-American. Eric Kumbier, the returning JV coach, attends The University of Michigan in the School of Education and plays water polo on U of M’s club team. Not only do the coaches bring a lot of knowledge to the team, but they also they are very dedicated and make going to practice exciting, Bryant said. She also she looks forward to morning practice where Semple plays music and dances. She said everybody just loves Eric. Because both the mens and womens water polo teams are club sports, the team does not receive any funding from the school. Co-captain Jenna Rolfes said, “We have to pay for everything, and we are not really recognized as a (high school) team sport.� Bryant said being a club sport makes the team lose out on a lot. Water polo members have to pay for the pool time and coaches. Parents Lauren Gagneau also have to volunteer to drive players to each away game or tournament. staff writer The school does not provide any transportation. “I do not always like driving with parents,�Bryant said. “We got lost a lot, and sometimes it can be awkward,� Club sports do have some advantages over regular school sports, however, Rofles said, “We do not have to exclude anyone from playing.� Since each player funds the sport, the team can have as many players as the coach will allow. Without having the option to participate in club sports many athletes, besides water polo players, would not have an opportunity to compete. Bryant said, “I love being part of the water polo team. It is a great sport, and the girls are a blast.�
Joining a club sport: VQT BOE EPXOT
•The Athletic Booster Club of Dexter (ABCD) contributes money to many club sports that have representation in ABCD. Money made from concessions is split between sports who have volunteered to work concessions. Coaches may make requests for money to buy equipment, uniforms and anything else that may be needed.
Kevin Mors staff writer
Hockey players spend approximately $1500 per year, not including their equipment, to play the game.
photo by Miles Stevenson
•The Dexter Soccer Club (DSC) is primarily funded by registration fees from players. DSC also hosts a camp through the Midwest Soccer Academy, from which they get 15 percent of the fees collected by the academy. The largest donation DSC has ever received was $3000.
Water polo players have to pay for their own pool time and coaches.
omens water polo is increasing in popularity every year. More and more girls are excited to be part of this growing club sport. Junior Mallorie Bryant said, “There are not very many returning players since a lot of players graduated last year.� More then 30 girls have come out for the team this year, enough to support a varsity and JV team. “There are only four returning varsity players,� Bryant said. Water polo is a fast paced, action filled sport. It even draws newcomers in their junior/ senior year to try outs. All girls are accepted to the team regardless of how much or little experience they have. Bryant said, “Even though I was not a swimmer, a lot of girls were willing to help me.� Outside of practice and games, the girls spend a lot of time together. “I think it is better when you know your teammates. It makes the season more successful,� Bryant said. At the beginning of the season, the team went to Zap Zone followed by a team sleepover. Girls on the team said doing extra group activities helps them to get to know one another, and build team morale outside of the pool. Many girls say they look forward to water polo season all year. A majority of water polo players are swimmers, and they say they like that water polo is not as individualized as swimming. Most girls also like the aggressive and competitive sport. Sophomore Jen Himle, who is also a swimmer said, “Water polo has more of a team bond, and coach Brian Semple is the man.� The returning head coach, Semple is the technology teacher at Mill Creek. He graduated from Pioneer High School and went on to play water polo at Indiana University , where he
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Club sport funding:
photo by Kendall Chappel
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The Rostrum
Advantages of being a club sport:
Disadvantages of being a club sport:
•The grade requirements to participate in high school sports is a 2.0 with no more than one failed class. In sports like lacrosse, eligibility of players is the coach’s final decision. In the first year of Dexter lacrosse, for example, the lacrosse team’s best player was technically ineligible based on school rules, but the coach decided after a few days, the player improved his work ethic and got his grades to a decent level and was able to play. Club teams are not bound by school administrators or by the MHSAA.
•Club sports receive little or no funding from the school. If a team wants a bus to go to a game, the money has to come out of the parents’ pocket. Also, in a sport like hockey pay to play is nearly $1500 per year not counting the cost of equipment which can be another thousand dollars. Lacrosse and rugby are the same way. The school doesn’t pay for field time or referees so parents have to pay more to play.
•If a sport is sponsored by the school, coaching opportunities have to go to teachers first. Whether or not the teacher is the best choice, if they want the job, the school must hire them even if there are others more qualified.
•In many club sports students can not get a varsity letter. According to lacrosse coach Jim Kotsones, this interferes with getting kids interested in the sport. Instead of trying out a new sport, many kids want to stick with sports where they know they can get a letter. •Club teams cannot use school facilities for practice. Rugby and lacrosse, for instance, have to practice at Webster Town Hall. Since these are club sports, they aren’t allowed to play at the school.
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Friday, March 27, 2009
3VHCZ TFFT BEWBUBHFT JO IBWJOH OPO DMVC TUBUVT John Brundage staff writer
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taring all the glory and benefits of being a varsity sport in the face, and turning them down is Dexter rugby. When The Dexter Devils take the field on April 1, they won’t have a wild student section cheering them on after a week of school spirit festivities. The game will not be under the bright lights of the Al Ritt Field. The team will be lucky to have a venue with benches. For away games, the Devils will not be shuttled via bus, but will carpool, an action expressley forbidden by the Dexter School district. Being a club sport, the financial and promotional support The Devils receive from the school district is equivilant to the amount of padding the players wear during a match. The Devils, were founded in 2004 and originally coached by Doug Karaska and Paul Burke. Since its inception and relatively humble beginnings in Division 3, the Dexter Devils have experienced success, which recently culminated in an undefeated regular season in Division 1 during the 2008 season. In light of this success, a strong case could be made for the addition of rugby to the varsity sports of DHS. The team cites funding and school field usage/availability, both of which have posed significant problems to The Devils throughout their existence, as the primary incentives for becoming a varsity sport. “The only time we could get the gym
photo by Lindsey Gagneau
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was Sunday morning.� Burke said. “That’s been a perennial problem. We have to pay for the field time.� Despite these benefits and the mounting merit for the reception of these benefits, rugby has remained a club sport and currently has no intention of pursuing the status of varsity sport for a variety of reasons. “Money is the main issue,� Coach Doug Karaska said. “Mostly it’s money within the school to give to the team.� But even if the financial hurdles were removed, the team still harbors reservations on becoming a varsity sport. As a club sport, The Devils are not subject to the rules and regulations that varsity sports are subject to, and the lack of administrative oversight from the athletic department has proven to be convenient as well as beneficial. “The benefits to club sports are that you set your own rules. You get to kinda do what you want within reason.� Karaska said, “As a varstiy sport, you’re restricted by the athletic department to what you can and can’t do.� Being able to carpool to matches and not having to seek permission to attend them are among the many conveniences gained by not being under the jurisdiction of the DHS athletic department. Coach Paul Burke said, “I think from the experiences I’ve had from other rugby teams, it becomes difficult to follow the requirements placed on by the school.�
In addition to the conveniences of a club sport, becoming a varsity sport would be a deviation from the norm in rugby culture, as most teams are predominantly clubs. Karaska views this independence, particularly not being limited to DHS students for players, as critical to rugby’s expansion both on the local and national level because it increases exposure to the sport. “Rugby is what soccer was 10 years ago,� Karaska said “It’s been mostly an amateur sport.� Karaska attributes rugby’s obscurity to the fact that adolescents usually do not have any exposure to the sport prior to, and in many cases during, high school. “I would love to see rugby explode. The most important task is getting people aware of the game. Even for people that want to play, it’s hard to expose them to it because it’s not on TV. There needs to be an adaptation.� he said. “In order to get the high school (rugby) to grow, you need to spread awareness of the sport.� Most schools do not have rugby teams. And becoming a varsity sport would result in the exclusion of non Dexter High School players who do not have the practical option of playing rugby elsewhere, as non Dexter High School students are not eligible to play in varsity sports. “We have players from Saline and South Lyon who wouldn’t be able to play for us if we were a varsity sport,� Karaska said. “In Brighton (where rugby is a varsity sport) there are homeschoolers who can’t play on the team even though they live within the city limits.� Another advantage of being a club sport is the laid back atmosphere not having to follow school rules creates. Burke said, “We are fairly informal about a lot of the things we do, and we like that we are informal. If we were to become a varsity sport, we would have to inThe rugby coaches see advantages to being a club team including troduce more formalities.� lack of administrative oversight and being able to carpool to away matches
6 Bear who eats all?
Friday, March 27, 2009
puzzles
The Rostrum
B O D Y
Recently an e-mail has been circulating the web about a massive bear, measuring about 13 feet tall and weighing in at over 1600 pounds. The bear was shot and killed by a hunter in Alaska. The e-mail shows pictures of the human remains, supposedly found inside of the bear once it was killed and opened for investigation. When we at The Squall investigated further, we found that in the e-mail we received, the photos of the bear were real, but the human remains shown were not actually found in the bear. Realistically, the bear measured closer to 10 feet and weighed in at around 1000 pounds. For readers’ sake, we figured it would be best to not include the bloody, gruesome pictures. Instead we provided you with realistic cartoons in a puzzle-like format, so you can cut and place the human parts in the bear where you please.
P A R T B A N K illustrations by Gabe Altomare
The Rostrum
uPage
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I was planning to take them to the grave, but as the result of a recent court order, I am counting this as 90 hours of community service. Without further ado, I give you the top secret ways I keep the uPage fresh:
Jake Larosa uPage editor
There comes a time in every man’s life where he must pass the torch. Yes, it’s true; your uPage editor is getting old. I can already feel the gray hair scabies and sponge baths coming on. It’s true that nobody likes change, but we have to be strong. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but it’s necessary for the continuity of the uPage humor that is the moral fiber that holds together the entire Squall. I’ve decided to make the selection for next year’s uPage editor into a little game. The big change this year is that you will be able to select the next editor. Drop The Squall a letter, send me an anonymous Facebook message, key your selection into my car or write it in blood on my bedroom ceiling. Whatever your means of getting your point across, I want you to know this is a Squallocracy. To those aspiring young uPage interns upon whom I have laid a theoretical deuce whenever my coffee was cold, I have some secrets of the trade that some Afghani men would kill for.
•I read “Madâ€? magazine. If you’ve never indulged in the guilty pleasures of a copy, it’s sort of like a giant magazine version of the uPage. I draw inspiration from it, not plagiarism, as my team of uPage lawyers advise against it. •I write about what I see. If I see something that grinds my gears, like emos playing tonsil hockey in the middle of the stairs, a turd in the elevator, chaw splattered on a window or tough guys smoking cigs in the parking lot before school, I make a mental note to ridicule it in my section. •I’m lazy. Most people would consider this a vice, but I see it as my most treasured virtue. I would elaborate, but I just don’t feel like it. I’d like to say “you’re welcomeâ€? in advance to all those who were touched or inspired by the above. You can thank me by helping me chose my successor. Keep an eye out for next month’s uPage, specifically the 5x5. My team of designers and researches have developed a modified 5x5 to analyze the up and coming uPage prospects.
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Q: A little nervous for the interview? A: No.
Q: Alright, well, what are your feelings on the nickname “Gbaby�? A: I would say it’s a little disrespectful, but some kids call me that to make themselves feel better. Q: If you could pull out any of your stuffed animals right now, which one would you pick? A: My clown fish, so I could ask you to quit clowning around. Q: Don’t you find the singing “Caddyshack� doll to be a bit distracting though? A: The sole purpose is to break the tension during tests with that one. Q: Have you ever had the urge to go deep-sea diving in the pond behind the school? A: No, that thing is nasty.
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Q: I hear you wanted to dump senior Jason Lomax in that pond. A: There are some students that continually bother the adults in the building, and when they do that, they have to take a bath in the lake. Q: Mrs. Wells can sure coach up the Oceans Bowl team ... think you could match her intensity? A: Why would I want to? I don’t know how she does it ... a lot of time and energy it takes.
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Q: May I bean dip you? A: Don’t even know what that means, therefore, no. Q: How many sick days have you saved over the years? A: Let’s just say, starting this school year, I had 303. Q: So, when are you going to retire? A: Currently the plan is to be here for the next four to five years.
-PWF
Q: When you hear the word “edarotag� what’s the first thought that comes to mind? A: What kind of bizarre word is that? Q: If a potato salad could walk, where would it go? A: Probably to the steakhouse.
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Q: Now that it’s the last question, will you at least give me a hall shot? A: I won’t give you a hall shot ... but I can tell you to get out of my personal space.
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Friday, March 27, 2009
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Here at The Squall we think these people look alike. How about you?
Ryan Neely senior
The Rostrum
Stephen Zenas sophomore
Edi to r ’s N ote
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Th is is s ue’s “T h ro w b ac k� p a ge f e at u re s t h e Oc t o b e r 2006 a n d Fe b r u a r y 2007 is s ue o f Th e S q u a ll . Th e s e s t o r ie s a re e xac t ly a s they we re p r in te d in t h e p a s t is s ue , e rro rs a n d a ll . En jo y.
Zach Jerger junior
S c o t t C rom p t Brian Altrogges sophomore
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illustration by Gabe Altomare
Dan Dewale senior
James Bannan former interim principal
A guide to walking Kim Wiesner past staff writer
Dear fellow students,
Nick Graves sophomore
Condoleeza Rice secretary of state
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I am writing you this letter because there are things about walking that you have yet to learn. Specifically, walking from one class to another in an eight foot wide space known as the hall. First, let’sdiscuss some of the categories of walkers that you mightfit under. You might be a slow walker. And that’s OK. As long as you aren’t in a group with all of your other slow walker friends taking up eight feet of horizontal space. In case you didn’t put two and two together, if you and your slow walker friends are taking up eight feet of space in an eight foot wide hallway, there probably isn’t any room left for other students battling the currents ofthe hallway. Just like in gym class or on the highway, please stay in the right lane. I realize there are not lanes painted out in the hallway but use your imagination. If you’re not a slow walker, you might be a fast walker. Congratulations. You are always
in first place when you arrive to your classroom. Just be sure not to plow over any small children or animals on your way through thedoor. One of my favorite types of walkers are the people who decide to hold their daily friend powwows in front of the doors near the middle stairwells. In case the space wasn’t small enough before, these bright young children choose to minimize space by forming clusters of volume that is too dense to walk through, too dense to talk to and generally an all-around place to want to avoid. Please don’t gather in front of the middle stairwell. It’s already crowded enough. Another category of walker that I look forward to seeing every day is the people whose mind is going in one direction and their body in the other. Let’s call them backwards walkers. Not sure if you fit into this category? You probably do if you are the type of person who begins to walk away from your group of friends in mid-conversation, but eager to still be a part of the conversation, you begin to multitask and talk and walk at the same time. But you remember what your
parents told you about manners, and you continue to look at the person you’re talking to. That’s nice and polite and everything, but there’s one thing you’re forgetting. You’re not showing very nice manners to the person you’re walking into or the person you just smacked into when you turned around, and now things are just really awkward. If you’re generally the person who gets knocked into all the time, you’re probably a shy walker. Or maybe you’re a freshman. Either way, you don’t have to take that kind of emotional embarrassment. Next time someone is about to walk into you, step aside, hold out your leg and let gravity do the rest. It might be the most entertainment you get all day, especially if the reason you always get bumped into is because your eyes are locked on the ground. In conclusion, my friends, remember that we are all trying as best we know how to get from point A to point B. Hopefully now we are all a little more educated in our hallwalking etiquette. Sincerely, Kim Wiesner