Editorials
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NCSSMj
Smoking on Campus: Leave it Alone
by James Wallace
In an environment of never-ending academic obliga
tions and an ever-changing social life, such as NCSSM, stress
remains a constant. We students are expected to deal with this
stress in our best ways possible.
One of the techniques used to deal with stress is the
smoking of tobacco products. It has been debated over and over
again whether or not the use of such products should be
allowed. As of present, it is permitted in certain places, and I
support this decision.
Our campus serves not only as a learning environ
ment, but also provides us students with a home, where we are
generally encouraged to reside much like we did back home,
and not to become a part of a conformed society. Those students
who smoked at home should be able to do the same here, their
new home.
Let us consider for a moment the naming of some of
the areas of our campus. For example, how did the American
Tobacco Company dining room, the Philip Morris art studio,
and the R.J. Reynolds Pavilion dormitories get their names?
Tobacco companies fimded those areas of our campus which
play a role in most of our lives, one way or another. These
companies have invested in our futures and support us over
whelmingly. Would it not be fair for us to support them?
Allowing smoking on campus does just that.
Smoking on campus is currently causing minimal
physical frustration to nonsmokers, yet many people are against
it. I can understand their points, but I ask that they imderstand
mine. After all, there are many things which pose much greater
threats and cause much greater problems than smoking. I feel
that the best policy on smoking is the one currently in place. At
least this way, both sides can be partially satisfied.
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Is the P.A. Testing "Essential?"
by Meghan Knight
The Physical Activity (P.A.) Test is a set of standards
that is used to measure the fitness levels of NCSSM juniors.
Consensus seems to be that those of whom this is required
would rather spend their time doing something...anything...
else. The question at hand is whether or not it is "essential" for
juniors to participate in this program.
Let's admit it, with the grueling hours of endless
homework, how can anyone have the time (much less the
energy) to jog around and around and around the gym sixteen
times to fulfill the one mile requirement? The average person
gets a little bit woozy after the eighth or ninth lap. They could
at least give us some destination; we end up in the same place
we started.
And the mile is not the ordy "event" in this "Let's See
How Much We Can Torture the Jvmior Class" contest. My
personal favorite is when they grab hold of the "extra meat"
under your arms and on the back of your calves with tongs. Oh,
yes. Tongs. Then, they take your height, weight (that you so
honestly recorded), and your fat percentage and they look at a
little chart that decides whether or not you could stand to lose
a few, regardless of whether or not you could trade pants with
an elephant or if you are slowly moving from the junior's section
to the women's section in Belk's. Having them tell you to either
lose or maintain your weight is a little "hard to swallow" when
your roommate's grandmother sends you jelly and homemade
chocolate-oatmeal cookies. Oh, well, at least the oatmeal is good
for you.
So then what? You have to do sit-ups, sit-ups, and
even more sit-ups, sending your muscles into shock. (I actually
tore mine. Believe me, it hurts.) Then they tell you either to do
some pull-ups (guys) or the arm-hang (girls). I don't know
about the guys, but my whole body was starting to shake when
I finally let go of the bar. And let me teU you, I feel sorry for the
feUas when they have to do the sit-and-reach. That's a long way
for anyone to have to bend over.
But seriously, it seems unfair to have someone set the
same standards for everyone. Each of our bodies are at different
performance levels. And who has the time, with homework,
clubs, eating, and sleeping? (If you're playing a sport this
season, consider yourself lucky. You've already got the exercise
worked into your schedule.)
Actually, I generally feel a little more energized (once
I quit sweating) when I run, bike, or just do something that
makes me hurt and stink. But, hey, I'm obviously not every
body. The P.A. Testing may attempt to promote good health,
but it seems to be causing more stress than it's worth. Forcing
people to exercise is not the way to do it. Essentially, by grading
our progress, they are causing immense levels of that "nega
tive" stress they've been trying to eliminate from our lives. But
no matter how hard it is for us to admit, they are correct in telling
us that we perform better in all aspects when we eat right, are
well-rested, and become health-concious. We're smart people,
and we're here to become independent individuals, so why
can't they give us the responsibility to take care of ourselves?!?
Ralph Hise smoking at Wyche House