Daily Skiff

With the constant construction on campus, it is easy for students to focus on the inconveniencies it brings. It can be hard for students to not be perturbed after waking up to the incessant beeping of a dump truck going in reverse or the sudden crash of rubble falling onto a another pile of rubble.

As the construction rages on and more people become frustrated with its invasion, it is a true test of one's patience to keep from complaining. But it is also important to remember there are a number of workers laboring hours on end to ensure the job gets done.

And like all human beings, these workers deserve respect. The campus community cannot take for granted those who are layering bricks to make sure the campus has beautiful buildings. Such respect encompasses more than simply making comments about performing hard work or smiling at them in passing.

TCU students can be proud to say the university noticed this fact.

I recently walked by the Milton Daniel Hall construction site and noticed the workers eating lunches they brought to the site. For some reason, at that moment I felt guilty. I wondered if the workers had been offered meals at Market Square. I became angry because I believed they were eating sack lunches because they did not have any other choice.

About a week later, when I was eating at Market Square, I walked by a manager. I suddenly stopped, remembering the workers eating from brown bags and mini coolers. I faced the manager and asked if workers were allowed to eat there. I was somewhat shocked to hear him say, "Yes, anytime."

Those two words pretty much made my week. My point of view changed from disgruntlement to pride.

I go to a college that is for the people, I thought to myself - cheesy, I know. Such ethical euphoria is one that more college students should have, especially TCU students.

Like any university, TCU has its issues and the campus community is given the right to voice its disdain. But if students were to focus on the positives, which are numerous, before the negatives, they would see what kind of school they attend.

Before students want to criticize TCU for its faults, they need to focus on positive aspects like the fact that the university opens its doors to the workers who work tirelessly to make TCU's campus beautiful.

Furthermore, students need to remember that those workers endured the recently erratic Fort Worth weather and deserve credit. Classes are stressful and college is busy, but students should take a break to admire the amount of labor these workers put forth.

TCU respects them for the work they do by offering them a meal at Market Square. Students can express their gratitude by at least letting the workers know they are appreciated. Something like, "Thank you for all you do," is all it takes. It is not awkward to be polite, especially if the person deserves it. As a student at a school like TCU, there is little reason not to be polite.

Wyatt Kanyer is a sophomore news-editorial journalism major from Yakima, Wash.

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