Cal State Long Beach has become an incredibly volatile place. Walking around late at night makes many students feel unsafe and unsure of whether they should be out at all. This feeling generally has everyone who shares the campus left with negative feelings about their time at CSULB – or at least it would appear to be that way at first.
Upon closer inspection, it is despite the recent hype about the attacks at our school that people at CSULB remain, in the estimation of the Daily Forty-Niner, courteous and eager to be here.
It would seem that the recent talk about violence on campus, with our imminent finals and, let’s not forget, the extra week of classes, would put students on edge or somehow make our campus seem more hostile. But, rather than stymie students’ sense of school spirit and general trust for their fellow students, we have remained steadfast in our loyalty to our respect and trust of other people on campus – values that should always be present at CSULB.
This is most exemplary in student’s constant opening and holding open doors for their fellow students. Regardless of other students physical capabilities, hindrances or gender (once characteristics that were determining factors for such small courtesies), it can often be seen that one student will open a door, not necessarily because of the need on the part of the cohort, but simply out of respect for the person standing behind him or her.
While these small kind-nesses may seem rudimentary human principles, they are not nearly as present outside our campus. The impending holidays often leave last-minute shoppers or the recipients of uninvited visitors thoughtless, surly and, in general, lacking common compassion. Stepping onto the CSULB campus a guest wouldn’t even know it is holiday time, finals are approaching or that three virtually consecutive attacks occurred about a month ago.
Yet we remain chipper, and our campus is still a host to many community members who can be seen throughout the day on lower campus pushing baby strollers, walking horse-like, gargantuan dogs and looking quite comfortable and at home at The Beach.
Despite the ever-present talk of absence courtesy, lack of general respect and trusting one another that so often pervade conversation about current culture, these characteristics are certainly not true for people at CSULB.
Compassion is an important aspect in creating a community, and if it is our goal to lessen our image as a commuter campus, then we are certainly heading in the right direction.
In many respects we have reached our destination. Although most students come and go as they please, we most definitely have the interconnectedness and trust that is essential to creating a connection to our campus and the people who attend it and enjoy its facilities.
