By BRIGID PARKER
I’m graduating soon. Here are some of my woes.
I hate “Beloit Time.” I hate that the simple courtesy of showing up on time is lost on so many members of my community. I hate that tardiness is so common on campus that we’ve put an affectionate nickname to it. I hate that we reward that tardiness by starting campus events late to accommodate those who are on “Beloit Time.” I hate showing up early for an event only to be informed that the start time has been pushed back because of “Beloit Time.” I hate that I’m forced to smile and nod at this announcement each time. I don’t find it funny.
Showing up on time is a minimal signal of respect. I understand that “things happen.” Hell, many things happen to me on a daily basis. Probably hundreds of things. There are lots of things. And I remain punctual through it all. I don’t think enough “things happen” to justify our campus having its own word for the constant tardiness we’re perpetuating.
Maybe it’s not that serious. To me, it is. Communities–strong communities, at least–are built on mutual respect and reliance. How can we have that when we can’t even rely on one another to have the basic decency to show up on time? The lack of accountability gives me a rash, frankly.
You guys seem to have a problem not only with showing up on time, but with showing up to anything at all. As a senior, it’s become increasingly apparent to me that Beloit’s campus culture has changed considerably in my time here, and while I don’t think it’s necessarily dying, it’s not looking great.
You may not like to hear this, but campus culture won’t be saved by you repeatedly complaining that it’s “dying.” You know what might help, though? Getting off that damn phone and leaving your dorm. Culture is built off of community, and community is often inconvenient. That means pushing yourself to attend campus and club events, even if it’s out of your comfort zone.
This is where I start to sound like a boomer. I think campus culture has gone so far in the direction of “valuing mental health” that we’ve started to prioritize our individual feelings over giving basic courtesy and consideration to others.
Leaving your room for an hour to attend a meeting for a club you’ve committed to, even if you’re “not feeling it” will not destroy your mental health. Rotting in bed with no outside interaction while your missing assignments pile up, however, almost certainly will.
If you’ve read this far, you must really care about my thoughts and opinions. I am going to tell you a secret. I don’t know how to snap my fingers and at this point I don’t care to learn. Vulnerability is also an important aspect of community.
Beloit is a special place and I have faith that the underclassmen can maintain its freakiness after I’ve graduated–I mean, we just hired an ESports Coordinator. Talk about weird. But culture isn’t maintained through talk or whiny Round Table articles. Building a strong community calls for action on everyone’s part, so grab a friend and go do something freaky. But also, show up for your classes, and maybe wash your sheets. They are smelling a little funky after your last mental health day.
Featured Image: Beloit College
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