I would like to commend Marquette University Student Government for sponsoring the shopping trip to Chicago on Nov. 20. As one of the seemingly few Marquette students not from the Chicago area, Christmas shopping on the Magnificent Mile is not something I have the opportunity to experience every year. I haven't been down to see the holiday windows at Marshall Fields in years, let alone the shopping along Michigan Avenue. So being able to do that, and experience it was a wonderful experience.

However, not everything about the day was wonderful. Aspects of the trip left much to be desired, but none of that fault lies within MUSG or the coordinator of the trip. What needed improvement were the students on the trip.

I completely understand that being in tight quarters on a long bus ride makes people restless and antsy. However, that does not allow rude behavior to be acceptable. The inconsideration I experienced from fellow Marquette students is something that I have never come into contact with in my two-and-a-half years at Marquette. Nor is it something I thought I would encounter.

Opening windows when it's cold outside and making the rest of the people in the back of the bus freeze is just downright inconsiderate. If you were hot, the proper thing to do would be an adult and walk to the front of the bus and politely ask the driver to turn down the heat. Being loud and obnoxious is annoying, but when people are trying to nap after a long day is just downright rude. Converse, talk, have fun with your friends, but it is unnecessary to yell at the top of your lungs when they are sitting right next to you, especially when others are trying to talk with their friends, listen to music or sleep.

But I think what topped everything off for me was when we finally returned to Marquette. Obviously, if you choose to sit in the back of the bus, you are going to be among the last off of the bus. That's just one of those unwritten rules of nature. But it's just childish to open the emergency exit, jump out the back of the bus, and scamper away, leaving the rest of us on the bus to get yelled at by the bus driver.

Because of those few people, someone's view of Marquette students was obscured. Because of those people, Marquette was poorly represented. As a Marquette student — and darn proud of being one — I'm ashamed for those people and I'm angry with them. Because of them, someone thinks I too am an inconsiderate jerk, and I will not stand for that.

Respect yourself and respect your fellow students and those who made your wonderful day possible. But most of all, respect Marquette and what it stands for.

Adams is a junior in the College of Communication.

This article appeared in The Marquette Tribune on Dec. 7 2004.

Click here to comment on this viewpoint on the Tribune Forum.