Here’s lesson No. 1 for newbies arriving on the Hill: get used to the bulldozers, jackhammers and middle-aged men in hard hats.

Lesson No. 2: Whining and complaining won’t change it.

Western is a growing university. To meet the needs of increased enrollment and to be more competitive with other schools, these projects are necessary.

So take our advice: Deal with it!

Good things come to those who sit back, take a deep breath and wait.

Things could be worse. This might be a rocky time for Western but it won’t last forever. Administrators planned to do as much construction as possible at once to simply get it out of the way. If spread out, these projects could take decades to complete.

And though some students are sick of it, positive results are already evident.

Students are resting comfortably in McLean, Southwest and Northeast Halls. Carpet and sprinklers have added comfort and safety to other dorms.

Next spring, Media and Technology Hall will open. And in another year, Diddle Arena will reopen with what should be improved student seating. (We’ll believe it when we see it!)

But for now, just enjoy the fact that you’re here. So campus isn’t the lush, green hill recruiters sold you in the Western brochure.

Big deal – it will be one day.

Besides, it could be worse. You could be at home with your parents.

BEGINITAL This editorial represents the majority opinion of the Herald’s 11-member board of student editors. ENDITAL