Excuses that count. Or do they?

In my previous post, Top five excuses used in school, I stated that being late to class was a viable excuse for being late. True. Our elevators do take forever-and-a-day to pick you up and raise you to your destination, but this is no excuse for being late.

The reason being: we have stairs.

Today more and more college students are entering their freshmen years obese. According to the Minnesota State University Reporter, students put on 4-6 extra pounds during their first year of college. This extra weight gain can be attributed to several factors including, but not limited to, increase in drinking alcohol, eating fast and easy to make (or buy) junk foods, and eating too closely to bedtime.

All this information got me thinking: what does 4-6 pounds of fat look like?

So, I googled the median number of pounds gained by college students in their first year (5lbs-for those of you who don't get along with math very well) and here is what I found

Picture via Caloriecount.com

Looks tasty, doesn't it?

Anyway, back to my point. If this is what we have to look forward to when starting out at college (as well as the depression that sometimes accompanies weight gain) then how come we are wait around for elevators that consistently make us late?

There is no excuse.

We should be taking the stairs. Working off that popular Western burger and fries that we picked up in between classes from Chartwells. We should be on time to class. Maybe a little out of breath, but nevertheless punctual.

Next time you are thinking about waiting forever-and-a-day for that vertical coffin to come carry your perfectly capable body up several flights of stairs.

Stop.

And think.

Remember that picture.

Remember those statistics.

Find the nearest stairwell.

And start climbing.

And K.Moore, that includes you too!

The semester is coming to a close, and so is my time here.

Well, I am sure SCCC students, much like myself, are hitting the proverbial wall when it comes to the semester's work.  Still, you all must hang in there until that Glorious Thursday of Freedom also known to some as Christmas Eve.  In between jobs, families, winter sleepiness, and generally feeling burnt out, we must pull ourselves through to the end of the semester.  Here's a little inspiration to remind us why all this hard work and stress is worth it:

• It's important to keep focused on the things that make us happy, and to share that joy with others, SCCC alumni Janice Dejordy did, and now she's reaping the benefits.
  

• The great Thomas Edison, whose machine works is known to us all as Schenectady's GE headquarters had some witty things to say about hard work.
  

• Watching good television (especially in the city where it was first demonstrated) is a classic way to recharge and have a laugh, check out Ugly Betty (character Marc St. James is from Schenectady).
  

• Good theater also helps too!  The Mop & Bucket Co. Improv Theatre sounds like a great stress- buster. Check them out!

Keep working hard!
Dana

Top five excuses used in school

1. "I missed class because I was sick."
-Yeah, and you just happened to be sick during the hour and fifteen minutes that you were supposed to be in class giving a presentation.

2. "I couldn't do my homework because my computer wasn't working."
-Okay, then who logged onto your facebook account and posted a status update that you were watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off tonight with friends after happy hour at Katie O'Byrnes.

3. I'm late to class because I got a flat tire.
-Getting a flat two months ago doesn't really excuse your lateness today.

4. I missed class because I sneezed twice in a row and thought I might be sick, and since you have it posted everywhere to stay home if you're feeling ill, I thought I should not go to class.
-You need to read over the signs and symptoms for H1N1 again.

5. I am late to class because of the elevators.
- Now that an excuse I'd believe!