Slow Walkers, Stay in Your Lane!

Ella Paulsen

Most babies learn to walk at around 12 to 15 months. However, based on the things I’ve seen in the OCSA hallways and staircases, I think it’s safe to say most high schoolers are still learning to master the skill. I’ve been told by all of my friends that I am an incredibly fast walker, so it’s no surprise that my biggest pet peeve is slow walkers. Unfortunately for me, I go to OCSA, where we have seven floors and snail-like students. 

After four years at this school, it never fails to amaze me how little thought students put into moving through the campus. People think the best place to greet and hug their friend is in the middle of the hallway, while expecting everyone to just wait as they catch up on their weekend. The staircases are horrific — people climb right in the middle, cut the line and push others. So, here is some advice I have in order to make fast walkers (myself) hate you a little less:

  1. If you are a slow walker, walk to the right or left side of the hallway. It really doesn’t matter which side, just don’t stroll in the middle where it’s impossible for people to go around you.

  2. When coming down the staircase, don’t cut and go to the left side. Contrary to what you may think, your time is not more valuable than anyone else’s. Everyone has to stand and wait for the stair traffic, so you can too.

  3. Don’t make clusters of more than two — maybe three — people.  I’ve seen friends line up in groups of five or six, spanning the whole hallway. This is extremely frustrating because it makes it impossible for students to walk around you, and these friend groups are usually the most sluggish walkers that will chat forever.

  4. Please don’t be on your phone in the hallways. If you can walk fast while looking down, that’s fine with me, but usually a student will be looking down and walking slower than a tortoise. You can look at your phone when you have arrived at your destination.

  5. Lastly, just be a considerate walker. If you need to stop and say something to someone, pull off to the side and let people pass you. Put your phone in your pocket. Wait patiently for your turn. I understand not everyone is a naturally fast walker, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be kind and thoughtful when hiking to class. 

Hopefully, you’ve learned about how you can avoid being an obstacle and how to make someone’s path to class a little easier. I just really hope you didn’t read this article in the middle of the hall, blocking the way.