This year has barely just begun, and the hallways are already in the worst state they’ve ever been. In previous years, the hallway traffic has been famously terrible. This year however, there seems to be an obvious increase in student ignorance surrounding etiquette.
People have been walking on the wrong side of the hallway, or in some cases have ceased walking at all, and are content to have full-fledged conversations while others are trying to get to class. Additionally, due to the absence policy implemented last year, getting to class on time is vastly more important. If you are stuck at a standstill, there is virtually no way to get to class in the five-minute period provided. This issue has grown immensely , and there seems to be no effort dedicated to preventing it from getting even worse.
The biggest problem contributing to the hallway situation seems to lie with new students never being taught how to respectfully meander the halls. There have been several instances in the last two days in which, while trying to get through a doorway, I have encountered two or more people standing completely still, immersed in conversation. Maybe it’s an issue with social awareness, or maybe someone just needs to step up and inform students about the correct etiquette.
These hallway blockages are very common. A major contributor to this problem is the reckless use of cell phones in the halls. For some reason, many students have decided that passing period is the best time to whip out their phones and stop dead in their tracks.
Amalia Milstein, ‘25, gave insight into the situation by suggesting the idea that Boulder High School is “way too overcrowded.” The freshman class this year is much bigger in comparison to previous years, so this theory makes sense. Of course, there’s no way to lessen our student population, and it’s not likely that students will listen to a hypothetical hallway etiquette video. Unlike the other issues contributing to the hallway problem, this has a relatively easy solution that has to do with basic respect. I recommend that students just…put their phones away. Sure, changing a song or sending a quick text is no big deal, but if it’s that important that you have to pause in the halls, just wait until you can sit down or stand against a wall.
Many people might suggest that this is entirely the fault of the students and their lack of awareness, but I’d argue that it is up to the administration to take initiative and teach students the correct way to take on the hallways. Ultimately, nothing will change until someone decides that enough is enough, and puts an end to the painful traffic encountered during every passing period.
