R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Respect. It can mean a lot of different things. A lack of it can affect people in different ways. Unfortunately, I see a lack of respect in a lot of different ways. From how we act in class, to what goes on in the dorms, to the way men treat women (and sometimes the way women treat men).

We all get bored in class sometimes. I have my moments when the class discussion doesn't interest me. So yes, sometimes I pull out my phone. When I do, I usually just check the time. Because my thought, of course, is “when is this going to be over?” Then I put it away, for multiple reasons. I'm paying money to be here. This information is pertinent to my major, and I should be paying attention.

The most important reason I put it away is because I don't want to distract other people who are trying to pay attention. If I want to waste time checking my phone, that's on me. I do, however, want to respect others. For me, I feel it's disrespectful when I can actually hear someone's phone buzz every five minutes in class.

Not only is it disrespectful to me and other classmates, but it's also disrespectful to the professor. You are supposed to be in class because you want to learn. Professors shouldn't have to deal with people messing with their phones the whole class. Just put the phone away.

As far as what goes on in the dorms, the rules are there for a reason. Sometimes we all don't follow them correctly, but I don't want to smell cigarette smoke as soon as I walk out the door. The rule is 20 feet. Also, if it's after the set hours, shut your music off.

Despite the fact we all know the rules, they do get broken. That's just going to happen. However, some rules are constantly disregarded by the same people.

All I'm saying is to try to be respectful of others. If you want to smoke, that's your choice. Don't make others inhale your smoke. If you want to listen to your music, that's fine. Turn it down during quiet hours--some people have early classes.

It's just a matter of being aware of what is going on in other people's lives. We all live together, so we have to respect each other.

Finally, it’s not right when boys call girls derogatory names, or when girls call boys derogatory names. It's unnecessary, and it's rude.

People are going to make you mad sometimes. It happens. Follow the golden rule people.

As far as how we treat each other, we all are human beings, and we need to treat each other like with respect. I’m not saying some women don't flirt with a lot of guys, but that doesn't mean that every woman wants to be involved with every guy. Or just because you hear stories about a guy, doesn't mean he's looking to be involved with every woman. It works both ways. Men and women both judge each other, and that's disrespectful. It needs to stop.

There are a lot of ways we are disrespectful to each other. I'm just pointing out a few. We need to think about our actions. I know we all want respect, but we have to give it to receive it.