2008 Woodie Awards
Just a thought ...
Ashley D. McGee
LIFESTYLES EDITOR
Issue date: 10/1/07 Section: Lifestyles
- Page 1 of 1
Starting off my junior year at USA has been a struggle all its own. With working 20 plus hours a week and studying almost constantly, I very seldom get enough time to simply stop and enjoy the day.
Don't get me wrong: This is not an ode to my hardships or a long list of personal complaints, because I know that I am truly blessed. I also am aware, even more recently than in previous years, that many
students on campus have more responsibilities than I. They have to juggle studying for exams with the responsibility of caring for a whole other person, their child.
With all of the advancements the University is in the process of making in order to bring USA's campus up to par with major universities (a new bell tower, a state-of-the-art recreation center, etc.), why isn't an on-campus childcare facility on the administration's list of things to do?
About a week ago, my best friend and returning USA student Jasmine Pettway and I brought an extra little something to class, her son Camron. Though she was quite worried about bringing him to class, her 8 a.m. English professor adamantly encouraged her to bring him with her as opposed to missing class on days when he was unable to attend day care, so she did.
Overall, the bubbling bundle of one-year-old energy did not disturb the usual flow of class, but it did cause Jasmine's attention to naturally be more focused on Camron than the day's lesson.
An on-campus childcare facility has the potential to benefit the entire student body, not just those with children. USA South Guide Patrice Washington fully supports the idea and hopes to see plans being made.
"Not only would it help out USA students with children, it would also create a new, fun, on-campus job," Washington said.
Bishop State Community College, whose student enrollment numbers don't even compare to USA's, acknowledges how hard it is for students to find a convenient and trustworthy day care. They have an on-campus child care facility, which is greatly used by the students and faculty.
"Having a childcare center on campus is very important to the students," a female caregiver at Bishop State commented. "Many students use lack of adequate childcare as an excuse to miss class. Our childcare center allows them to go to class and concentrate without worrying about their child's well-being."
The BSCC caregiver stated their childcare facility also serves as a living laboratory for the school's early childcare development course.
The need for this facility is present, and the students definitely support the idea. Now, all we have to do is wait for the University to take action.
Don't get me wrong: This is not an ode to my hardships or a long list of personal complaints, because I know that I am truly blessed. I also am aware, even more recently than in previous years, that many
students on campus have more responsibilities than I. They have to juggle studying for exams with the responsibility of caring for a whole other person, their child.
With all of the advancements the University is in the process of making in order to bring USA's campus up to par with major universities (a new bell tower, a state-of-the-art recreation center, etc.), why isn't an on-campus childcare facility on the administration's list of things to do?
About a week ago, my best friend and returning USA student Jasmine Pettway and I brought an extra little something to class, her son Camron. Though she was quite worried about bringing him to class, her 8 a.m. English professor adamantly encouraged her to bring him with her as opposed to missing class on days when he was unable to attend day care, so she did.
Overall, the bubbling bundle of one-year-old energy did not disturb the usual flow of class, but it did cause Jasmine's attention to naturally be more focused on Camron than the day's lesson.
An on-campus childcare facility has the potential to benefit the entire student body, not just those with children. USA South Guide Patrice Washington fully supports the idea and hopes to see plans being made.
"Not only would it help out USA students with children, it would also create a new, fun, on-campus job," Washington said.
Bishop State Community College, whose student enrollment numbers don't even compare to USA's, acknowledges how hard it is for students to find a convenient and trustworthy day care. They have an on-campus child care facility, which is greatly used by the students and faculty.
"Having a childcare center on campus is very important to the students," a female caregiver at Bishop State commented. "Many students use lack of adequate childcare as an excuse to miss class. Our childcare center allows them to go to class and concentrate without worrying about their child's well-being."
The BSCC caregiver stated their childcare facility also serves as a living laboratory for the school's early childcare development course.
The need for this facility is present, and the students definitely support the idea. Now, all we have to do is wait for the University to take action.
Be the first to comment on this story