While walking through the campus the other day, I was rather irritated when I had to shove by several students who felt it necessary to block the entire side walk, and refuse to move.

I was given a “death to you” look by most of the people whom I shoved by.

I tried to be polite, saying ‘excuse me’ a few times and clearing my throat. Apparently saying “excuse me” no longer has any meaning whatsoever.

It’s not the first time this has happened either. I don’t think it’s just the fact that I happen to be under five foot and fully grown. Instead it’s our society’s growing rudeness.

Ten years ago when I originally started college at Maple Woods, things weren’t as bad.

I would walk to another building, and students blocking the sidewalk would eagerly move at my pardon.

Even at any Walmart, fellow shoppers ?would move as you came down the aisles. They seemed to also keep their kids more in check at the store too.

Now all you get when you go to the store is people giving you DIE looks as you try to make your way through the aisle to get what you need, all the while gritting your teeth as the six-year-old kid in the next aisle screams bloody murder from simply being told no.
Honestly, what’s happened to society?
People seem to have given up on any possibility of being in any way remotly nice to other people.

They have also given up on raising their children, taking responsibility for their actions and fixing the problems that society now faces.

The blame game is an easy one to play and even easier to set up.

By saying it’s another generation’s fault or brushing a problem aside, a person seems relieved at having gotten rid of whatever the issue is.

In just the past ten years, I’ve noticed that people in America have gotten downright, well, evil.

Of course being rude has always been there, it’s just started to become more evident and prominent.

With the holiday season arriving quickly, some people seem to be more at ease and a bit nicer to each other.

Is it because it’s a jolly season, or is it because they feel they have to be nicer?

There are few people left in the world who seem to strive for kindness to others. Most of which are clergy, sadly.

We’ve become so engrossed in reality tv and so self absorbed that the idea of possibly being nice around town is just silly to some people.
Several students, from what I’ve overheard, agree with me, all saying that they just can’t stand the fact that people on campus tend to be so inconsiderate.

Phi Delta Theta to me is a shining star amongst the students.

They strive not only for excellence, but to show kindess to others and our environment.

They have become an example to us all and should be seen as such.

The Non-Traditional Student Lounge is also a very welcoming place.

They are also shining stars, captured wonderfully by Missouri Western to help those on campus who just can’t be nice.

Also through my passings, I have heard several people talking hatefully about other students and yes, teachers too.

Seriously people, is this a university campus or is it high school? I’ll admit there has never been, and never will be, any school remotely close to High School Musical.

That show is just sickening, if you want to know the truth. A little more kindess and love really couldn’t hurt.

At the risk of sounding like a massive hippie, a little peace could go along way.

Another thing that’s happened on campus that I’ve seen, is lack of unity amongst the students.

I can’t stress enough to everyone that unity isn’t as hard as one might imagine.

Differences aren’t that big of a deal if you think about it. It’s really a ‘Let’s agree to disagree’ idea.

How boring would it be if we all were just the same? There would be no excitement, no fun, no pizazz! Yes I said pizazz.

If you ask me, the hippies did see things a little better than most of us do.

Except for maybe the dope part. I refuse to promote or demote anything of the sort.

What I will promote though is the thought of love, peace and unity on campus.

I bet if you give it a try, you’ll actually feel better. My dare for this week, in our final issue dear fellow students, is for you to be a nicer, less hateful person in all aspects of your life.

Not just during this season either, try doing it past the new year. There’s no reward offered here but your well being. Go on, ‘tis the season to be merry!!