Etiquette for the end of the year

There is something about the upcoming end of the school year that causes chaos among HC students. The fewer days left, the more freedom to do whatever you want to, right? Absolutely. It’s almost summer. If you don’t have to stress over finals, relax and have a good time. However, after how chaotic a year this was to begin with, let’s try not to add to the chaos too much.

While kicking back as the end approaches, try to treat your teachers with respect. They also have lives outside of school and are probably looking forward to summer break. Teachers are incredibly hard working and busy, so don’t give them any more work than they already have; don’t ask them to grade anything last minute because they won’t love you for that. Don’t use your last few days to roast every teacher you’ve ever had— even if you’ll never see them again. Contrary to popular belief, teachers are humans, so try not to break them.

Teachers don’t deserve rampant disrespect, and neither does HC’s campus. Trashing the school isn’t appropriate any time of the year, but it gets rough during the end of the year. As each final is completed, students find it acceptable to clutter the already crowded halls with assignments from the classes they’ve just finished. Throwing away garbage has become a thing of the past, so why not just toss it on the floor? Please don’t. The garbage cans are at hand and it isn’t anyone’s job to take care of your carelessness.

Finally, don’t be total jerks to other students. I remember in my freshman year getting hit in the head with a marble during a final, which brought me to tears. Finals are a stressful time for a lot of people. Don’t increase that stress by being rude or cruel to those around you. If you want to use the end of the year to settle the score with those you dislike, just don’t. You don’t have to like anyone in this school, but your personal vendettas don’t belong here.

The end of the year can be a great opportunity to embrace freedom and prepare for the upcoming break. Doing that in an inappropriate, disrespectful, and harmful manner is not warranted. You will have plenty of opportunities over the summer to do this kind of nonsense at home. If you wouldn’t do it at home, then you shouldn’t do it here either.