Since we were in kindergarten, the “golden rule” was drilled into our minds. Yet, somehow, as we got older, this crucial bit of information was pushed aside. And by the time we’re in high school, it seems as if this simple message – treat others kindly – is thrown out of the window altogether.
That certainly seems to be the case at Campbell.
Instead of treating others how we would like to be treated, we’re treating each other like gum on the bottom of a new pair of shoes. And it’s not just students treating each other this way, staff and faculty (you know, the adults in the building that run the school) are guilty of it, too.
A little thing called disrespect goes a long way. It starts arguments and sometimes it can start wars. While disrespect may not have been the main issue (for most students) surrounding the recent actions, it did play some part.
“I think students started the protests and food fights because the faculty is treating us like we’re in middle school,” said Sahad Walker, freshman.
You might have noticed a few things that have changed since the beginning of the school year and some as recently as this semester. Tardy sweeps and the whistles are two things that seem to be the talk of Campbell’s students. When walking to class, you can hear the whistle being blown over the yelling, “Get to class.”
While some people hate the whistle, others like senior Avia Hayes thinks it’s ok. “They have to get some people’s attention and get them moving to class.”
Senior Abby Gamache has a different view.
“If you think about it, we’re kind of like bugs. They [the administration] spray us (in this case blow the whistle at us) and eventually, like bugs, we’re going to become immune to it, “said Abby.
It’s not always what you say, sometimes it simply how you say it or how you do it.
All students do not have to be constantly reminded what about they are supposed to be doing – it’s only about 10-15% of students. But, students who are coming to school and doing the right thing feel like they are being lumped in with that 10-15%, especially when they’re constantly being yelled at and talked down to, instead of being talked to like young adults.
Senior Amanda Borkowski said, “I feel like a child. I feel like I am 11 years old, when I’m 18 and about to graduate. They want us to act like adults; they should treat us like adults.”
There are some faculty members who try to remember that it’s not the whole school that has to be reminded on a daily basis how to behave. Administrator, Audra Saunders, is one of them.
“I respect all of you. However, I feel like young adults should be held responsible for their actions – even if it’s something as trivial as being to class on time,” said Ms. Saunders.
Long-time Campbell faculty member Coach Randy McClure feels the same way.
“What are they being yelled at for? If they are being yelled at for getting A’s in class, then I am with you protesting. However, getting to class on time is non-negotiable. The tardy sweeps are nothing new; it’s just being enforced more,” said Coach McClure.
As frustrating as it can be for the faculty to repeat the same thing over and over, they do just that. That frustration comes through in their voice when they become curt or yell at us. Maybe a little reminder of the golden rule is in need here. And, as for students, remember when you’re talking back and being rude to the faculty, you’re not treating them with the respect you would wish for (once again, the golden rule).
Is that really the way you want them to treat you?