Nicole Virgo, Staff Writer
Everyone walks to and from places on campus and is affected by commuters. Everyone has to deal with noisy surroundings while trying to focus. Everyone has to do laundry at some point, or has an item come up missing. Everyone has to deal with community bathrooms. Everyone eats in the cafeteria. Everyone complains about all of the above, but no one does anything about it.
Consideration on campus is needed everywhere. Commuters and residential student drivers should remember that although Saint Leo is private property, there are still reasons to drive properly. Staying in the correct lane while turning and proceeding with caution in the parking lot is what should be done. Following the speed limit cannot be stressed enough. There are plenty of pedestrians on campus during the day and night. Not all of those pedestrians walk on sidewalks or use crosswalks consistently. Although it has been said various times, for your safety and others, follow the road code. It is considerate.
Consideration is definitely needed in residence halls. Everyone has different class, work, sleep, and miscellaneous schedules. College is supposed to be fun, but fun does not necessarily have to be disruptive. Keep in mind that people may live in the room above or below. Every time loud music is playing, furniture is being moved, or there is loud movement going on be considerate of others. There are quiet hours for a reason. Even though not everyone one sleeps or studies during that time, consideration should be given to those who need that time. The walls are not that thick. People can usually hear what is going on next door or in the hallway if there is no volume control.
Laundry room issues are easily avoidable, yet Saint Leo has them. If laundry needs to be done, make sure there is enough time to do it. The washer and dryer show the amount of time the load will take. Make sure the clothes do not stay in the laundry longer than they need to. There are too many people and too little laundry machines for clothes to just sit in them. In the case that laundry needs to be done and all the washers are full, but dryers are open, move the clothes to the dryer to put yours in the washer. If all machines are full, wait for an opening. Do not dry clothing in a machine with another person’s unless you have their permission. Do not remove someone’s wet clothes out of the washer when there are no dryers available and leave them there. Do not take someone else’s clothes. Be considerate for those who need to use the laundry room.
People misplace items all the times. Hopefully those items were not stolen. It all goes back to consideration. If something is found that may be valuable to someone. Turn it in to security or an RA if the item was found in a residence hall. Do not assume that because no one has claimed it yet no one will.
There are so many complaints about community restrooms. The problem with that is everyone uses them. Just be considerate of the other people that have to use that bathroom and the people who have to clean it. When entering a stall, even if it is not as clean as it should be, make sure it is just as tidy if not tidier, than before. While showering, make sure no excessive hair is left to clog the drain. Make sure to leave with every item that was brought in. Do not leave trash all over the bathroom, use the trash cans.
Even though people eat in the cafeteria it should not be mistaken for dining service. By now it should be obvious that the cafeteria is mostly self-serve and the same works for cleanup. When getting food, take the care not to spill or get food on the counter tops. Remember to put the cutlery, dishes, and cups in the appropriate area when exiting. Try not to make a mess at the tables.
Consideration on campus is needed in many areas. It has to be achieved as a community. Complaining is not going to do much. The issues are obvious. Now it is time to start acting towards the solutions. All it takes is thinking back to the lesson everyone learned years ago: treat others as you would like to be treated. Think of Saint Leo as a home away from home, comfort and consideration should come naturally. Remember Saint Leo is a University, not a resort.
