Entering the eleven stories fresh from a summer ladened with rest, many students look to one of NAHS’ eight elevators to conveniently get them to their classes in fewer (foot)steps. Elevator etiquette is one subject often talked about among students in the halls of North Atlanta: only hop on if you’re going up more than four floors, not jumping, etcetera. The rules are strict and emphasized by upperclassmen. Yet, even with a fifteen-person limit, elevators are packed to the brim on the daily with students who are trying to make it to class on time and prevent exhaustion from the trek up seven or eight flights of stairs throughout an eight-class period schedule. 

Most students would exclaim that they would not be able to survive getting up, down, and in between the eleven floors without using these elevators. But, for students who are unable to walk up the stairs, what options remain? Filled to the brim with active Dubs, North Atlanta is no stranger to the sight of casts and crutches. Navigating around the school becomes a challenge for these students, especially when others fail to prioritize courtesy and pack themselves in elevators like sardines, leaving riders to whom elevators are a necessity unable to get to their destination efficiently and hassle-free.

For junior Jonas Shen, being on crutches is anything but ideal. Shen is an active basketball player, and suffered a fractured ankle in a recent game. When he’s not on the court, he can be seen roaming the halls and mingling with friends. “Sometimes I don’t allow myself on the elevator,” said Shen. “They’re too packed – I don’t want to be pushed out by somebody and further injure my ankle.”

Fellow new Dub, junior Mary Elle Palma, faces a similar issue to Shen. Palma’s old school had only one elevator, and it rarely worked. Since she is in a wheelchair, it is even more important for her to use one of the elevators. “It seems to me that most people here are in their own world,” said Palma. “It’s not even a deliberate or hostile thing, but they do like to shove around the elevators for a prime spot.”

While many of us are terrified of being tardy to class, it is important to consider those in more complex transportation situations. One random act of kindness could make someone’s day, or even week. Stay cordial Dubs!