Since the dawn of time, man has had one desire that towered over all others. This ambition is no more troubling to accomplish than it is to win a marathon or earn a Ph.D. in Physics. Yet this pure desire could not be more simple to understand – to arrive at one’s destination safely and on-time. Man has many obstacles to overcome in life already, so why must his quest to get to class (safely and on-time) be jeopardized by the ratchet barricade that places itself in the most inopportune place at Shawnee Mission North?

We used to refer to this central hallway location as “Times Square” though the name is rather incorrect now. Times Square located in Manhattan in downtown New York is place of hustle and bustle. People come and go on a second-by-second basis. No one waits for anyone. Tourists come to see the wonders then leave for elsewhere. The homeless look for spare change from the pockets of passers-by. We can no longer defile the name of the New York homeless with our own kind. Times Square at SMN ought to be renamed “Stand-Still Central.”

Times Square in New York is crowded much the same as Times Square at SMN is.

Times Square at SMN should not be this way.

My destination is not Times Square. My purpose at school is not to be late to every class that requires me to pass through Times Square.

To obscure a path of ease for your fellow Indians is not only a disservice to them but it is purely selfish. IS your conversation worth delaying students to class? Must you form your own circle of gossip to converse at the expense of a student running late, running an errand, or running from the bathroom so as not to be late? It is nothing short of self-centered to believe your personal endeavors trump the best logistical path for a student on their way to class.

Indians you have alternatives. These choices are so simple yet so (evidently) troubling. You can walk to your classes and talk to your friends. You can relocate your conversation to a less crucial and busy part of the hallway (you will see me do this and find that it is not a difficult thing to do). You can even (get this) get to class early and make friends in the class you have to make it to in a six minute span in the first place. But please, as a courtesy to your school, please make way in the hallways.

Signed –

Michael Schley, a dude trying to get around his school.