Youth Opinion : Only the Swift Get Lunch
It’s 12:05 p.m. The teacher is discussing the night’s assigned homework. But as the 12:17 p.m. lunch bell nears, the clicking of folders and the slamming of books drowns out her plea for “just one minute.” Hungry students know that one fraction of a second could determine whether they eat or fast for the day.
Before the bell is through sounding, the halls and school courts become an obstacle course only race-car sensation Mario Andretti could maneuver. Students weave around--and sometimes through--those who share the same mission: Hit the cafeteria line while it’s short.
Except for the swiftest, those who reach the cafeteria door are greeted with lines that remind them of rush-hour traffic after a 12-car pileup. They sigh and go for Plan B: Look for a friend in line who can sneak you in when the counselor on lunch duty isn’t looking, or find someone related to the fry lady. If that fails, they’re left with Plan C: Begging for food from someone else’s plate, with pitches like “Come on, G.”
The situation is forcing students to make a tough choice: Socialize or eat. Desperate times call for desperate actions.
Even though the campus is closed--meaning you have to have special permission to leave--students find ways to visit the nearby Carl’s Jr., McDonald’s or Burger King, daring to be deprived of class time rather than of sustenance. Those who return to school on time can be seen sneaking a forbidden snack. And, oh look, the old sack lunch is back, but it’s not preferred.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the single lunch period sets off a new wave of crime: fry jacking or pizza holdups. I think I even saw a burrito pusher the other day. His presence alone could trigger a mass of chili nacho drive-bys.
But couldn’t these crimes be avoided with a little bit of reason? If one lunch must accommodate the entire student body, can’t we at least have more than 34 minutes?
Having to plan homework or class projects is one thing. But having to map out a plan to have a meal is too much to digest.
