Welcome back...and a few thoughts

Welcome back to all, and just a welcome to all the new students!
Chris Carter has left me some very large shoes to fill when he stepped down as editor. I only hope that I can continue the upswing this paper has seen in the recent past. You know what they say, two steps forward, one step back. The Olympian saw two large steps forward with Chris, and Jon Miller before him. I think we can make a third step forward, and part of that will be you, our readers.
We want to know what you want to hear. If you hear about something on campus that you think we need to know about, let us know. I would rather be told about something three times than not at all. You can find us at our website, in our office, on Facebook, in this blog or via e-mail.
Let your voices be heard.
Speaking of letting voices be heard, I have something else to say. Well, I always have something else to say, but one more thing for now.
Olympic College has spent time, money and effort to provide people who smoke with a designated place to do so. There is a reason for this. Where smokers have made a conscious decision TO smoke, many others have made a decision NOT to smoke.
Non-smokers should not be forced to be exposed to second-hand consequences for others' decisions. Whatever the reason someone decides to smoke, they should at least have enough respect for others to keep their habits to the designated areas.
Three times TODAY I have been stuck walking behind someone on campus who was enjoying a between-class cigarette far from the designated areas. If smoking is so much a part of your day that you can't spare a few extra minutes to go to a smoking shelter, then build that space into your schedule.
Also, for those who do go to a smoking shelter, I appreciate it, but could you please wait to light up until you get there? Smoking it on your way there is still rude.
I appreciate everyone who abides by the rules. I am not going to ding smokers for their habits, but please, please respect those who abstain and stick to the designated areas.
Alright, soapbox is securely stored in the overhead bin.

Until next time!
Alex