Britney Rooks

Not long ago I rushed into the J.E. Shepard Library to do an English essay. I had to concentrate — this paper was going to count for 60 percent of my grade and I

needed silence! So I found a spot in the computer lab and began typing immediately.

My mind raced through phrases and quotes from “The Canterbury Tales.” Middle English wasn’t the easiest period of ancient languages to translate.

I closed my eyes and began to recite pieces of the passage in my mind — when suddenly, a loud “Yah! Trick Yah!” interrupted my thoughts.

Since when did famous literary author Chaucer do collaborations with teen rapper, Souljah Boy?

I glanced around the computer lab — and another “Yah! Yah! Trick!” flooded my ears.

Perfect! The person sitting right across from me was screeching out the lyrics of the music he was listening to.

“Get out my face!” He sang. How was I supposed to concentrate on my paper?

I continued typing as best I could until I realized I’d forgotten one of my books. I figured it would be a good time to take a break anyway. I gathered my things and left.

Two hours later I returned, only to be faced with the same problem.

The same person was still enjoying his karaoke, and unfortunately for me the only open computer was the one just to the right of the seat I had before. I took my seat and once again struggled to concentrate. Fortunately I did complete my paper, but it was not easy.

I consider the computer lab a place to get away from all outside noise.

It should be a place I can come and get my assignments done without interruption.

If I am taking the time to visit the computer lab and apply myself to my work, why should I have to deal with unnecessary noise?

On a very large poster to the left of the computer lab entrance, a poster states that there is to be “No excessive talking.”

I discussed the computer lab’s policies with a lab monitor.

If a student is making too much noise, he or she is asked to tone it down or stop.

If the noise continues, campus security may be called.

So, do those rules exclude singing?

I’m not saying lab monitors should crack the whip every time someone sneezes.

But if ever there is a case like my unpleasant visit to lab that day, then action should be taken.