Navigating the pathways to and from class on our rather large
campus can be difficult. The hills, the mystery buildings (Ever try
finding Slichter? Good luck) ““ and to top it all off the
hassle of walking up Bruin Walk.
Before I came to UCLA, I had heard about Bruin Walk; an exciting
place on campus where people congregated and shared information and
buzzed with excitement. When the first day of the quarter rolled
around I discovered first-hand that the rumors were true, but
anyone who has walked up Bruin Walk (and it is usually worst the
first week of a new quarter) knows how crammed ““ even
annoying ““ it can be.
At first it seemed fun. It gave me a sense of excitement to grab
up every flier that even somewhat interested me. It made me feel
more connected to the campus, which is what Bruin Walk does well
““ it connects people to what’s going on at UCLA and in
Los Angeles. The free movie passes (definitely my favorite perk of
going to school in Los Angeles), comedy shows, dance shows and club
and student government information are at your fingertips. All you
have to do is walk up maybe 200 yards on the way to class.
But then there are those who abuse the path’s potential.
Personally, I’m not a fan of people forcing things on me. I
don’t like salesmen or telemarketers in general, and I loathe
spam. So for me, Bruin Walk has become an unbearable annoyance. I
don’t appreciate people trying to change my religious views
or being told that I don’t love my country because I
wouldn’t take a LaRouche newsletter.
Those solicitors have an obvious lack of respect for the people
who pay to go to our prestigious university. I respect these
people’s enthusiasm for what they are promoting, but they can
and do cross the line of what is acceptable behavior.
Behavior such as personal attacks, which in any another scenario
would be deemed inappropriate, is somehow OK on Bruin Walk. When
these enthusiastic individuals become aggressive and shove papers
in your face, yell out to you, single you out, insult you or even
follow you to class to get your attention, they’ve gone too
far.
I do not want to have to be afraid of being hassled while
walking to class, feel guilty for turning down a flier, or have to
pretend that I don’t see the many people asking for
donations. UCLA students are generally caring and giving
individuals, but there is only so much we can do and so much we can
stand. We should not fear being attacked on our way to class on a
campus which is, in many ways, our home.
With that said, the question has to be asked: Is Bruin Walk
worth all the hassle?
Sometimes I don’t want to deal with the stress that can
occur when I do dare to traverse what is sometimes
“Battlefield Bruin Walk.” On the other hand, I feel
like I’m missing out when I find alternate routes to my
classes. I often avoid the religious zealots and radical liberal
political groups. (I take the Ackerman elevator and walk through
Kerckhoff to avoid the hassle and the hills because, let’s
face it, I’m lazy.)
Even if you avoid it sometimes, I hope that your choice
isn’t to avoid Bruin Walk completely.
It is both the physical and informational center of the UCLA
campus, and whether you hate Bruin Walk or it inspires you to get
involved, the best part is that it’s a resource that we can
choose to utilize.
Information, events and opportunities that can enrich your UCLA
experience are all there within an arm’s reach, and all you
have to do is extend your hand ““ and make sure to find a
recycle bin when you’re finished with the fliers.
Canary is a third-year English student.