Friday, September 9, 2011

Navigating BYU Traffic

BYU traffic can be difficult to navigate. Coming from a high school with only 250 students, I had never before had to circumvent large crowds of people to get to my classes. Coming here was quite intimidating, let me tell you. Luckily I've adjusted quite nicely to the traffic laws that seem to be understood by...well, most. Over the past couple of days, I have become increasingly aware of these laws. In the following blist, I will explain a few of these laws as well as add some of my own advice on how to get around campus.

Before I begin, let's take a look at the campus.

 

Aren't the mountains pretty? Now on to business.


1. Traffic flows in certain directions.

2. Within these directions, there are different speeds. If you want to walk quickly, walk towards the center of the group. If you want to walk slowly, walk away from the group.

3. That feeling you get when you are stuck behind a slow person on the freeway and you want to drive faster? You get it on campus, too. Solution? Change lanes.

4. a. When changing lanes, I find myself looking over my shoulder and putting on the breaks. It reduces the risk of potential awkward moments, and trust me I have had my fair share of those (i.e. getting my hair stuck in someone else's backpack...but that's another story altogether).
4. b. Often I think it would be wise for backpacks to have blinkers, in case someone tries to cut you off. It's happened to me a couple of times.

5. Rush hour. Oh joy of joys. Each building has a different rush hour, and in the JKB (where I have my French and Spanish classes), it seems to be around 10 am. Right when I need to get into the building. My advice is this: do not push, do not squeeze, do not wiggle your way through. These actions will result either in pain, frustrated students, or (and this is the most likely scenario) an awkward situation (I'm telling you! They happen more than you would think.). Simply wait until the crowd dies down to get to your classroom.

6. Watch out for married and engaged couples. Need I say more?

7. a. One must have and use the proper vocabulary.
7. b. "Sorry" and "excuse me" and "coming through" are all appropriate phrases for navigating traffic.

9. Watch for pregnant women, strollers, and small children.

Remember, this is just a blist of my observations and ideas. Don't take me too seriously, now :) And if you have an awkward moment or...say seventeen...don't worry about it. It'll be one of your best stories in a few weeks. Until next time!
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Navigating BYU Traffic

BYU traffic can be difficult to navigate. Coming from a high school with only 250 students, I had never before had to circumvent large crowds of people to get to my classes. Coming here was quite intimidating, let me tell you. Luckily I've adjusted quite nicely to the traffic laws that seem to be understood by...well, most. Over the past couple of days, I have become increasingly aware of these laws. In the following blist, I will explain a few of these laws as well as add some of my own advice on how to get around campus.

Before I begin, let's take a look at the campus.

 

Aren't the mountains pretty? Now on to business.


1. Traffic flows in certain directions.

2. Within these directions, there are different speeds. If you want to walk quickly, walk towards the center of the group. If you want to walk slowly, walk away from the group.

3. That feeling you get when you are stuck behind a slow person on the freeway and you want to drive faster? You get it on campus, too. Solution? Change lanes.

4. a. When changing lanes, I find myself looking over my shoulder and putting on the breaks. It reduces the risk of potential awkward moments, and trust me I have had my fair share of those (i.e. getting my hair stuck in someone else's backpack...but that's another story altogether).
4. b. Often I think it would be wise for backpacks to have blinkers, in case someone tries to cut you off. It's happened to me a couple of times.

5. Rush hour. Oh joy of joys. Each building has a different rush hour, and in the JKB (where I have my French and Spanish classes), it seems to be around 10 am. Right when I need to get into the building. My advice is this: do not push, do not squeeze, do not wiggle your way through. These actions will result either in pain, frustrated students, or (and this is the most likely scenario) an awkward situation (I'm telling you! They happen more than you would think.). Simply wait until the crowd dies down to get to your classroom.

6. Watch out for married and engaged couples. Need I say more?

7. a. One must have and use the proper vocabulary.
7. b. "Sorry" and "excuse me" and "coming through" are all appropriate phrases for navigating traffic.

9. Watch for pregnant women, strollers, and small children.

Remember, this is just a blist of my observations and ideas. Don't take me too seriously, now :) And if you have an awkward moment or...say seventeen...don't worry about it. It'll be one of your best stories in a few weeks. Until next time!