Patience, courtesy save the day

The Collegian Opinion

     It’s an old age fact: for every action, there’s an equal reaction.
     And we commend South Campus students for reacting well during the road construction that has made the east parking lot a nightmare entering and exiting this semester.
     At the beginning of the semester on all campuses, parking is difficult because new students do not know the rules and often park where they should not.
     As well, people who want to register are crowding into the lots trying to get themselves registered. But South students have had other challenges.
     After a few weeks, the students adjust to their schedules and parking problems solve themselves, for the most part.
     However, on South Campus, parking problems have not been solved, and students are faced with at least another month of having to deal with construction on the north lot.
     The main entrance to the campus has been blocked this semester while the road that circles through the campus is being replaced, making the south parking lot accessible only from the 1-20 frontage road. Students who normally would have parked in the south lot are parking in the east lot, which has only one entrance and exit.
     During peak times, everyone wants in or out, and the tie-ups have been lengthy.
     Fortunately, police officers have abated the situation occasionally, but for the most part, the students and faculty have been kind enough to let drivers merge into the flow of the two-lane drive.
     Much like Christmas at the mall, the gridlock can at times become extremely frustrating. With so many people attempting to get a step ahead of the other person, tempers are beginning to flare.
     Students need to remember that order is the primary foundation. Please continue to allow people to cut in line in front of you as you enter and exit the east parking lot.
     With road rage being so prevalent in today’s society, let’s not allow tempers to get out of control. Losing control could in today’s society end in grave consequences.
     So far, common courtesy has been displayed, and waves and smiles are being exchanged among drivers who are considerate of others by waiting in line for their turn or by allowing another driver to turn in front or turn past into the lanes of parking.
     Students who need quick exits should leave 15 minutes earlier or later, park in the north parking lot by the gym or park across the street in the stadium lot.
     Another alternative would be to make use of the city’s public transportation service, which offers pick-ups at the campus.
     Students have about a month of construction to go, according to campus officials.
     In the meantime, self-control and patience should be observed to keep altercations and incidents out of the South Campus parking lots.