NOTES FROM THE DESK

Author: Joshua Carson

Everyone has been in this situation. You are walking back from the mailroom, along College Street or up the hill from BiHall. Maybe it's during class or late at night so no one is around. And then, on the horizon, you see another student approaching. This starts the mental process: didn't I drive home with that kid Feb break sophomore year? Or maybe he was in my second semester political science discussion? Or didn't we once play a pickup game of basketball together? It takes a few moments to register, but eventually you conclude that you a) have met this person at some point in your time at Middlebury or b) have no idea who he or she is. But that is irrelevant at this point as he is getting even closer. What is the next move? Should I wave, nod my head, smile? Or should I just pretend to check my watch, lower my head and walk straight by.

I would suggest the former and here's why. When I was considering schools, my father and I drove down to rural Virginia to visit Washington & Lee University. In my eyes, this was a huge waste of time. Yeah, the campus was pretty, the students seemed happy and the academics were well respected. But no matter how you looked at it, this place was the South and, right or wrong, I didn't think it suited me. In fact, the school itself is named after its former president and Confederate army general Robert E. Lee.

As it turns out, I really liked the school, especially its focus on tradition, more specifically the Speaking Tradition. This legacy ensures that each member of the community is afforded the ordinary courtesy of a simple greeting when passing. While I would be the last person to suggest we need any more of the superficial, "how was your break/summer/time abroad" conversations, I think this is more fundamental. This is about basic respect.

So the next time you see someone you vaguely know, or even someone you don't know - whether it be a student, faculty or staff member - don't feel awkward or embarrassed, just say "hi."

-Joshua Carson

Local News Editor