Ever since I got into MAPOLY, I have always had the concept of a school map being placed at strategic points within the school premises; as this could go a long way in helping students navigate their way around the school, especially new students.
Coming into MAPOLY, I, personally, have had issues finding my way around the school. Although, this is due to the fact that I don’t feel comfortable talking to strangers.
Customarily, it is expected that one
being new in the school should at least ask around for directions. But considering the fact that not just me, but some other people also don’t feel relaxed with the idea of asking people they have perhaps not seen before in their entire life, an alternative should be made available.
Some students, coming into school, are pre-occupied with what their, so to say, African parents must have told them about the kind of people they are bound to meet on campus and with this orientation, feel not so free to ask people for directions except if they eventually find out that they can’t get to their destination without directions. Then, they look out for people who apparently seem decent enough to be asked.
Aside that, some students on campus could be very frustrating. I tried asking for direction, one day, to a particular hall and the person I asked said he was going the same direction, adding that we should walk together. On the way, not so far from where I met him, he saw a friend of his and they began to chat. At first, I thought it was going to be brief but along the line, it took more time than I expected. I signaled to him that I had to be at somewhere urgently, he begged for more time, I had no choice: I gave in, and at the end, he said he had to go somewhere else with his friend, instructing that when I get to bus-shed, I should ask someone else. I felt disappointed. I could not say anything.I just walked on.
Although, I had raised this idea on several occasions and settings, but after this latest experience, I decided to write something about it for publication.
Consolidating, the map could also serve as a tour guide around the school for the new students and perhaps, visitors. MAPOLY, to a certain extent, is large by land mass and harbours different interesting sights to behold.
Therefore, I am using this medium to admonish the school administration to look into my petition and do something about it as soon as possible.
Samuel Atanda is an ND1 student of Mass Communication
