Included in the bustle of big city and college life every day on the University of MinnesotaâÄôs Twin Cities campus are the mass groups of people of all ages and majors who need to walk from building to building, often crossing many busy streets to reach their destination.

Coming from a city in northwestern Minnesota nowhere near the size of Minneapolis, it took me a while to get used to this slightly faster pace of life.

However, a slight consequence of adapting to this lifestyle is that one tends to lose track of the world around them at times, including having courtesy for fellow pedestrians and those trying to navigate the streets.

The Delaware and Harvard Streets Southeast intersection just recently got stop lights installed to help the flow of traffic near my dormitory, Centennial Hall. However, cars are still having trouble getting around when groups of people simply walk out right in front of them when theyâÄôre trying to turn or get through.

Sometimes itâÄôll just be one person who stops a car in its tracks, and they usually donâÄôt even acknowledge the driver or jog to get across a bit faster while texting or listening to music. IâÄôve noticed this at other intersections across campus too, and it can back up traffic when pedestrians arenâÄôt staying aware of whatâÄôs going on around them.

I know IâÄôm guilty of it too âÄî a fan of daydreaming myself. But a little courtesy can go a long way in a short amount of time and can also help you avoid an angry honk the next time youâÄôre crossing Washington Avenue.