I can’t resist the opportunity to add my support and agreement to the letter in the Sept. 28 Northern Star by Wes Covalt. I have had some irregular contact with this university over the past 17 years and must admit that most of my experiences have been positive. I am presently an NIU staff member while my husband finishes his M.S. degree. One of our top priorities is to try to raise our three children to be polite, caring individuals. I’ve often said if I don’t teach my children anything more than to be caring people who stop to consider how their actions are going to affect those around them, I will feel I’ve been a successful parent.

Well Wes, I can’t help but wonder if you were standing in a line at the International Food Fest on the commons on Sept. 28 at noon. I was hungrily awaiting my turn to purchase a couple of egg rolls at one of the tables and it appeared to me I was standing in line on the customer side of the table. I was amazed at the number of people who kind of elbowed (gently) their way by several of us awaiting our turn and took their place at the front of the line. Then, to top that off, one gentleman walked to the back of the table, interrupted one of the students waiting on someone else and proceeded to tell the student what his order was. It amazed me that an intelligent, university person could be so “all important” and rude!!! And guess what folks, those who were elbowing their way to the front and rudely calling out their orders were not students, no no, these were faculty and staff. Well, excuse me, but I try to teach my children not to be rude and elbow their way in lines. Sometimes, yes you have to be a little agressive just to hold your own, but this is ridiculous.

How can we hope to find “Unity” as long as we are people who care little about our fellow man and his feelings. It’s the small things that count. And yes Wes, I try to not let doors slam on people’s fingers as they follow me through, and I always say thank you when I’m shown the same courtesy. So maybe our first step to unity should be nothing more than going back to the beginning: be a caring person, and treat those around you with the same kind of respect you cherish and hope for.

Cindy Baxter

NIU Operating Staff