L S 101

the longer i work in the dorms, the more i realize that these kids desperately need something like a life skills class. DESPERATELY. it pains me that some of these kids can't do simple things. i realize it's probably their first time away from home and all that but there are some things you should just KNOW, you know? so here is my idea of for Life Skills 101, a class that should be required for graduation, preferably taken in the first semester, some of these are specific to SF State, but maybe there could be a Life Skills 102 for living in an apartment off campus as well. you would have to pass L S 101 of course.

section one: how to, cleaning
-a clogged toilet: how to plunge, turn off the water, and clean up afterwards.
-a loose doorknob
-a screen that has fallen off: how to reattach it.
-how to mop a floor
-how to use a vacuum
-if you need maintenance, do not be vague, details are important.
-garbage goes into the garbage room. same with recyclables.

section two: mail
-how to use a mailbox: find number, key goes in, turn.
-what do to if you have someone else's mail!
-how to send mail
-when and what days the mail comes: no mail on Sunday, dorms don't get mail until 6pm.
-when you might have a package, and when you don't.

section three: following rules!
-don't drink in the dorms, we know you are not 21
-leave the fire alarms where they are
-quiet hours are there for a reason

section four: food
-using a microwave
-using an oven
-using a garbage disposal
-when the DC closes
-where to eat after hours
-who delivers?

section five: respect
-the RAs know more than you do, and always will.
-never, on any occasion is it okay to SCREAM in the lobby or hallways, unless someone is dying.
-be nice to the person who is helping you. or they won't help you, get it?
-chances are, we don't want to hear you singing, or your keys jangling or the horrendous scraping noise you make when you shuffle your feet, so stop it.
-music: if you have in-the-ear headphones and anyone else can hear it, it's amazing you aren't deaf already.
-remember, UPD is only a call away.
-spilling of any liquid (including vomit) is not okay in the hallways, elevators or lobby. seriously, ew. find a trashcan.

section six: laundry
-different loads for different colors
-different water temperatures
-detergent
-bleach
-dryers and their settings

section seven: keys
-at all times, take your keys. ALWAYS.
-no matter how nicely or repeatedly you ask me, i will never give you a key without writing it down. you getting charged $50 is not an equal exchange for me possibly losing my job.
-if your key doesn't work, tell us.
-take your keys with you at all times.

section eight: miscellaneous
-telephones: voice mail, etc. also, how there isn't service in the lobby.
-labor: we are not it. bring your own.
-furniture: some of it's attached. check on that.
-if you lose your card, get a new one. i'm not going to get up every time to let you in.
-why you should really go to class: a breakdown of how much school is costing you and why it would suck to fail.

section nine: beyond the dorms; a look to the future
-how to write a check
-avoiding credict card debt
-how to find a roommate
-where to find an apartment
-when school isn't right for you
-where to find a job (maybe)

**so it's a work in progress. i think its going pretty well, right? i would have taken it freshman year. does anyone else have any other suggestions? i will gladly add them in and make sure you get credit.