“The tragedy of the commons is an economics problem in which every individual has an incentive to consume a resource, but at the expense of every other individual—with no way to exclude anyone from consuming” (Investopedia). To put this in simpler terms, it is when people overuse the “common” and destroy what has been given to them. This is something I teach in my AP Economics class, and in every instance, the result is the destruction of what is there for all to use. The “common” that is available to all of us at WHHS is the building, classrooms, arcade, gyms, and restrooms. Today these “common” areas are far worse than they have ever been in my 26 years at WHHS.

To start with, one only needs to look at the restrooms. Students complain constantly how disgusting the restrooms are in the school. When I walk into any public restroom inside these hallowed halls, I too am disgusted. Toilet paper torn from the holders and strewn on the floor. The holders damaged or broken. Soap dispensers ripped out of the wall and soap poured on the floors. Even worse, disgusting and, at times, horrifying graffiti written on bathroom walls and stalls. And lately, the smell of many fruits hangs in the air. No one will say that they are responsible for this because the areas are common areas and there appears to be no penalty for the actions taken. 

Next, take a look at the walls. Paint is chipped away, divots exist, and once again graffiti appears. These walls were once clean and new. Today they appear as if they are collapsing. Giant holes are appearing where doors are thrown open, and chips of the walls are falling off in and around classrooms. If you do not believe this, come to 1113 and see the places I have patched in my room as well as the graffiti on the walls. Now, some may blame shoddy construction and others may point the finger at crowded hallways, but in reality, it is all of us not taking the time to cherish these areas.

Lastly, I turn to the gyms. These places are not new to me, as I have been coaching in them for 21 years.  But this year I have noticed more garbage and personal items left in the gym. Water bottles, open Gatorade, and pop bottles are left behind. Why? Does the student body not understand the idea of a garbage can? Do they know the work coaches and players have to do just to practice? These may be great questions, but they are not the cause.  They have fallen to the same tragedy as the other places, the tragedy of the commons.

Now I realize that for going on six years we have been short-staffed in the janitorial area. But this is no excuse. Those who serve work hard and do their best to keep the building clean and safe. However, their work has become harder as those who use this great common area have taken less interest in its survival and beauty. How many times have you dropped garbage and said, oh someone else will get that? How many times have you witnessed a destructive act and done nothing? At the current pace, the building will look “old” in just a few more years.  

Students should be proud of their house and not just use it in a disheartening manner. I have said many times that there should be a Saturday when we have a service day for students. Teachers could help and sign off on service hours for the students. Painting, cleaning, and repairing give every stakeholder a price to keep the building. I challenge you all: administrators, alumni, students, teachers, and support staff to get behind the idea of a service day. In the end, we can all make the “commons” a better place to work, learn, and rise to the highest.