The Central stairs have always been one of the most hectic places during passing periods. Whether it’s four-plus floors of students rushing to their next classes or others trying to cut through the crowd, chaos is almost always guaranteed. This year, however, the problem of stairwell directional flow has been increasingly worse, especially with the inability of many students to recognize which stairwell is “up” and which is “down.”
There have always been a few who go the wrong way, but this year has been one of the worst. No matter which stairwell you take, you’re constantly dodging people heading in the opposite direction. Most days, it feels like those following the correct route are swimming against the current, struggling to make it to class as others ignore the directional flow.
The situation has gotten out of control. Notes have been sent to administrators; daily announcements have been made, and still, students continue to use the wrong stairwell.
The irony is that going the wrong way doesn’t make anyone get to class faster. You still end up pushing against the crowd using the stairs incorrectly, and every set of stairs ultimately leads to the same place—just a few steps apart.
It’s frustrating when you’re walking up and have to move to the opposite side to avoid being elbowed by someone going down the wrong way. Students who use the stairs correctly shouldn’t have to accommodate those ignoring the system.
At this point, administrators have made their announcements, and the majority of students who follow the rules are fed up. Space is limited, patience is wearing thin and passing periods have become a daily battle.
There needs to be a change, and it needs to start with the students. Administrators and teachers shouldn’t have to spend their passing periods directing traffic. For one, it should be obvious when you’re going the wrong way, and for another, staff have their own classrooms to reach. Students need to be more self-aware, pay attention to the flow of movement and adjust accordingly.
All stairwells lead to the same destination. Taking an extra 15 steps to use the correct one won’t make you late; it’ll make passing periods faster, smoother and far less chaotic for everyone.
