La Voz

Believe it or not, some of us are here to learn.

Apparently, the concept of the classroom being a learning environment is lost for many students at De Anza College. Too often there are a few that ruin it for all and make class a waste of time.

Students appear to be under the mistaken impression that if they are gracious enough to show up, then they are free to do anything they please. But God forbid that they should actually learn anything.

Apparently, the classroom is the only place where they can eat, text message back and forth on their cell phones, listen to their iPods or do anything else other than sit quietly and take notes.

Indeed, many are so inexplicably pressed for time that they can't wait for the next break in an hour to take care of their business.

There are also those who equate classtime with a social hour, chatting away in the back of the room with their friends about things that must be important enough for everyone else to hear. And no one wants to complain about them to the instructor. It's taboo, since the only thing worse than a gossip is a snitch, and we're all adults here, supposedly.

Unfortunately, it seems like we're back to preschool, since there are students who use class time for naptime. Nothing is more comical or annoying than seeing someone's head bob back and forth from falling in and out of sleep.

Students don't realize that they are hurting themselves when they don't take class seriously. Instead, they start eating Cheetos from their loud, crackly bags, and then the whole class suffers. Once the concentration is broken, there's no turning back.

Add up all the distractions, and many class sessions end up ruined for everyone. Tuition becomes a waste of money, and the rich experience of higher education is lost.

The solution is simple: take care of your business before or after class and come prepared to learn. The less attention you bring to yourself, the better.

After all, the focus is supposed to be at the front of the room with the instructor, where it belongs. By simply being more considerate of your fellow classmates, you can make De Anza a better place to learn and thrive.

So stop with the distractions and take some notes already.

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