Fear and loathing in
By Kimi Artita
the bathroomBEEN holding it in all this time, but teen-agers are famous for avoiding the unwanted, namely, disagreeable parents, homework, cranky teachers and the ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend. There is, however, a significant number of students who spend their entire high school careers avoiding the horror and humiliation of the school restroom.
Frequently cited as one of the most undesirable places on any campus, it's no wonder students steer clear of them. If it's not the lingering stench that causes the boldest to shudder, it is the unappealing decor that forces many to ignore their bladders.
Often, charred remains on seat covers reveal cleverly spelled names and freaky 1-800 phone numbers make up for humorous reading assignments missed in English class. In the girls' restroom, it's common to find sanitary napkins behind the toilets, lipstick on the mirrors ( if there are any at all), and cigarette ashes on the toilet paper dispensers.
Those who sit, rather than squat, do so only at their own risk.
And some may call it skill, others coordination, but holding the boltless door while assuming the position is rather complicated. Those looking for adventure in this danger zone are not insane, but have simply come up with their own strategy. They prepare by carrying their own Kleenex at all times.
Getting the darn toilet to flush is another story. It takes so long that students waiting their turn in line have to peer under the plywood doors, wondering if you've managed to flush your whole body down as well.
PARENTS have good reason to worry about their kids smoking in school. Even if their child never puts a cigarette to his or her lips, a daily trip to the restroom will provide them with a generous dose of nicotine.
I am in no way attacking the sanitation levels in the schools, but this is merely a plea that students be excused easily when they raise their hands for a restroom pass and not be given any grief. They are heroes, courageous boys and girls who do not hesitate out of fears of nicotine, grafitti and E.coli.
I'm sure everyone everywhere can relate and understand the horrors I have seen. If not, when was the last time you visited a public restroom?
Take a look around your campus. Do you see your peers contorting their bodies with the popular "I Really, Really Need to Pee" dance? If you sympathize, please be kind enough to flush next time. Thanks.
Kimi Artita is 16 and a junior at Mililani High School. Rant & Rave is a Tuesday Star-Bulletin feature
allowing those 12 to 22 to serve up fresh perspectives.
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