Before the first day of school each year, there is a night designed for freshmen to walk their schedule, ensuring they do not get flustered in the hallway once school starts. They can practice walking to their classes multiple times, so they don’t forget what class is next and how to get there. However, one thing that gets overlooked and not practiced is actually walking in the hallways.
Walking in the hallways seems like something anyone can do, but it takes more skill and critical thinking than you would think. Think back to when you were in elementary school and we had to walk in straight lines. Somehow over time, we have forgotten yet another important childhood lesson and have become some of the most disliked people in the school depending on the type of walker you are.
The Wall
The hallway might be one of the only places to talk to your friends depending on your class schedule. But, the hallway should be split into two columns. People going into the hallway and people exiting the hallway. So, leave room for people on the other side. There is enough room for 2 by 2s in each flow of traffic, so do not walk in a line of four.
Walking in a line of four people makes it difficult for people to get to a classroom on the other side of the hallway. It is like crossing four lanes while driving. If you are walking out of the hallway in a line of four and there is a group of people walking in, you now have to do a four lane merge to get to where your next class is.
The U-Turn
Some students escort their friends or significant other to class even when their class isn’t in that hallway. When your friend enters their classroom, check your shoulder if people are coming. So many times, I have been walked into at a high speed. Before turning around, please check over both shoulders so you aren’t aimlessly walking into oncoming traffic. This will avoid collisions and crashes in the hallway.
In the unfortunate situation that you turn around and either you or the victim are holding a drink, that is not only embarrassing for them but also for you. The drink will spill everywhere and both of you will be wearing it. There is such a simple solution to this problem, yet I still see this happening everyday. For some reason, we don’t seem to be learning from our mistakes and continue to repeat the past.
Screenager
I understand that we only have five minutes in between classes and depending on your class schedule, you may not have time to go on your phone or talk to your friends when you get there. This leads to an increased usage of phones in the hallways which can be dangerous if you are intently staring at your phone without glancing up every once and a while. With all the people crossing the hallways and the other terrible walkers, you need to pay attention. For all the underclassmen who stare at their phones in the hallways, this is just creating bad habits for when you get your license.
Conclusion
If you constantly find yourself in a collision, being passed by others in the hallway, or getting dirty looks from other students, it’s time for a change. Look up, pay attention, and pick up the pace. Just because your class might be right down the hall, another student may need to speed walk just to get to class on time. Some students are ruthless and will run you over; don’t be just another speed bump for them. Don’t block the entire hallway from students who need to get to class. This honestly is just common sense, yet so many of us need to learn, reflect, and grow as walkers.
