Saying “hi” is not rocket science — it’s common courtesy. 

Many students have a difficult time greeting each other on campus, or gauging when it is appropriate to do so. I am not entirely sure if it’s because Hillsdale students are socially awkward or because we are afraid. But either way, if you’re contemplating whether or not to say “hi,” just do it. 

One of the downsides of going to a small school is that you see everyone all the time, including the people you don’t want to see. This, paired with the weird phenomenon that once you meet people they pop up everywhere on campus, makes for many awkward passings in Saga or in front of Central Hall. 

I understand how awkward it might be to pass someone you barely know and say “hi.” Maybe you met them at a party on Saturday or a mutual friend introduced you to them, but saying nothing is more awkward than saying “hi”. 

But I know it’s a lot easier said than done. When it comes to saying “hi,” rejection is a big fear. Rejection in any capacity is hard and the possibility of it happening is scary. But no one should shy away from saying “hi” to someone out of the fear of rejection. 

Worse case scenario, you say “hi” to someone, and they don’t say it back. You may feel embarrassed. It may be even more awkward the next time you see them. But they did you a favor. You want to fill your life with people who respect you — no weirdos allowed.

Many people like to read into everything, including me. But saying “hi” is not something that should be read into. It’s a polite gesture, not a confession of love, and not a request for a hand in marriage.

Additionally, saying “hi” is not a grand gesture, but it can go a long way. When someone says “hi” to me, it brightens up my day — especially if I am not really close to them. So the next time you pass someone, take a second to ask yourself, “Would I want them to say hi to me?”

I recently discovered that I am not a shy person, but a quiet person — there is a big difference. I enjoy being around people and making new friends — I just don’t talk very much. That is why I despise how I have developed this habit of ignoring people on campus.

Sometimes — most of the time — I am in my own world. I am not aware of the people I pass — I might know them, I might not. This is something students at Hillsdale can relate to because everyone is too preoccupied juggling so many things all at once: a heavy workload, athletics, clubs, friendships, etc. So in these situations, the thought of not saying “hi” to someone doesn’t cross my mind, nor does it keep me up at night — that is my insomnia. 

If you don’t want to make new friends, that’s OK, but that doesn’t justify ignoring someone. A friendship is more than an exchange of “hi’s” — no need to worry about making a new friend from a simple hello. Say “hi” because it takes minimal effort, and it’s a polite thing to do. 

I am not advocating for you to greet everyone you pass on campus — strangers and opps are an exception. But I encourage you to make it a habit to say “hi” to those you know. Haven’t we all discussed in Great Books that chivalry and lady-like manners are what should be expected in society? 

So I call on every student to join me in this battle to normalize common courtesy on campus — to normalize being a decent human being. 

If you ever see me up the hill and notice that I have failed to say “hi,” just remember that I am a warrior trying to fight this battle. And sometimes you’re going to lose a battle every now and then trying to win the war.