There is an epidemic here at Rowan University. It's something I see everywhere, but I am almost powerless to stop it.

People carry their expensive laptops around campus. IN THEIR HANDS.

Alright, so maybe I am overreacting a bit, but my laptop cost me over $1,500 because the College of Engineering requested that we have a specific laptop in order to do everything that we need to do. That also included a two-year insurance plan that allows me to get my laptop replaced if it would ever break. But even with that insurance plan, I still keep my laptop in my backpack within a padded laptop case.

I don't know if it's because people didn't buy their laptop out of pocket or they are rushing, but I would rather be a little late to one of my classes than carry it with the threat of it breaking on the concrete. I just think a laptop is something that requires responsibility.

Now I am not saying that this is a callout to people's character, but I think it's just something that irks me. I would never want to find myself running up the stairs of the Engineering Hall to have my laptop fall out of my hands, and then have to watch it tumble down a flight of stairs.

People, come on. Laptop cases are not expensive. I got my case AND a wireless mouse for twenty dollars. In comparison to my laptop, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Also, as college students, our laptops are just another level of responsibility. It's almost like a child, like you have this small piece of machinery that you need in order to take notes and basically exist. So, to go ahead and treat it carelessly, you are putting your entire career in danger.

It's just not that difficult to put your laptop into your backpack. It takes literally a few seconds, and it saves you from the destruction of having to get your laptop fixed on top of all of your assignments.

Be safe, and your laptop and academic career will thank you.