There are many ways to sneak through Sproul Plaza: One—blast music from you iPod, flip your hood on and don’t stop. Two—the more common approach—fight your way past campaigners with signs and slogans with lightning fast “no thank you”s and the more methodical “I don’t have time, I am going to class.”

If you ascribe to those “get me out of here” beliefs you are missing out. Walk a mile in my shoes, rather, walk through Sproul in my shoes. Before, between and after classes you’ll find me tabling, enjoying the sun, the chaos and most importantly the people. Yes that’s right, the soul-less individuals who parade around with signs, stealing your time. In fact, they are not soul-less at all; they give their all, enduring the sun and their nerves as they go outside their comfort level to inform and help Berkeley students. They volunteer time because they love both Berkeley and their candidate enough to make asses out of themselves. So follow me, as we continue through Sproul, in the slogan-stiffened shoes of a campaigner.

By the time most get to Sather gate the iPod is cranked up with God-only-know-what kind of music and tunnel vision is on. I only ask that you consider the people there are students, you may not know them, but they want to know you, even if it’s just to publicize. So, take out the earphones and say “hi,” smile to those soulful guys and gals who might just be surprised to hear you, and you’ll brighten their day. Talk to them, have them talk to you.

Ask them about their feet, their shoes are stiff and their legs are sore, “but it’s worth it” they’ll say “it’s worth it.”