New Orleans is my home, and Loyola is my backyard. It’s where I’ve met many of my neighbors who have changed my life for better or for worse. But some things have been bugging me for a while. I had plans to pick apart so many aspects of school life and show no regard for ideas and people that I dislike. But while talking it over in the shower (with myself, oddly enough), I realized I don’t actually have much of a problem with Loyola. There are a lot of good people here that I really enjoy being around. Why should I alienate the good majority when it’s only a few that need a wake-up call? Take these concerns for what you will.
Group Mentality: I sometimes feel like I could throw a turd into a crowd of people, and if the right person (the “Rufio,” if you will) called it a quarter, everyone else would try to pick it up. Think for yourselves, people. There are lots of really intelligent people here. I often find myself becoming jealous in class at how well people pick up on the material. But then class ends, and we step into a world of mindlessness. We all struggle with becoming comfortable with ourselves. Nevertheless, there is a certain charm about doing something or being someone original. Think of that person that draws your attention. Is it that guy with the Lacoste shirt and the hat turned backwards? Or is it the kid who painted his own shoes and plays the harmonica on his way to every class? Most people are by nature more attracted to interesting and individual personalities.
Awkwardness taken for hostility or apathy: Not a problem, just a huge annoyance for people who know they gave off that vibe for years. People understand perfectly well that some situations might make you embarrassed or uncomfortable. If you’re around someone who will take your awkwardness the wrong way, just apologize and get on with your life. The best way to avoid awkwardness is to stay away from experiences you know may be unsettling. It sounds a bit redundant, but if you feel really uneasy, there’s probably a reason why. It’s best not to even step into the situation. If it can’t be avoided, however, like most awkward situations, just smile and be as genuine as possible.
Middle School: This one is pretty self-explanatory. Loyola is a middle school. I do not even give it the distinction of being a high school, because at least in high school someone can sort of stand up for himself or herself when the gossip begins. More specifically, Loyola is the eighth grade, that time when you are still latching on to where you just came from and can’t imagine what you’re going to do next. That’s when the talking really starts-when we’re uncomfortable with ourselves. We all do it, and at the same time we know it’s not right. It’s hard to do, but you have to “live and let live.”
Respect: This has always been a problem for people our age. Where do you draw the line between rebellion and disrespect? I mean, we all have slip-ups, but we seem to have an obscured view of respect toward all people. It’s relatively easy to respect the people you hang around with, but it’s those other encounters that say a lot. People don’t really even need to go out of their way, just act decent enough to get through the day without doing harm. I’m really not trying to sound preachy; there is just a lot of disrespect going around.
Now, I don’t want people to think I am just complaining about Loyola and all of its students. As I said before, I’m not trying to single out people, just mindsets that we all slip into. Also, I am the first to admit that I have caught myself in these situations many times. My goal is not to criticize, only to point out some observations that I have made over the last few years.
Chris Guccione is a jazz studies junior from New Orleans.
