Put On Your Thinking Caps And Name This Column

Mon., Nov. 2, 1998

Darcy Camden, Lewis & Clark

Help us name this new monthly column, which is designed to give a real student’s perspective on some of the useful information and ridiculous news that affect teenagers. Send your ideas on what to name this column to the address below. Items for this column will come from wire reports, press releases, firsthand experiences and basically anywhere I can find them. Your stuff is always welcome. Please send it to Our Generation, 999 W. Riverside, Spokane WA 99201 or e-mail ourgeneration@spokesman.com.

* Fashion police. Administrators of Bastrop High School in Austin, Texas, are enforcing a new dress code that requires students to have their shirts tucked in at all times. Their logic: an untucked shirt could be a cover for a dangerous weapon.

On the off-chance that Spokane area schools would ever consider adopting a similar policy, keep in mind: It would be impossible to enforce. I don’t know any student who goes around with concealed weapons under his or her shirt. If a student was intent on hiding a weapon, he could do it just as easily with the shirt tucked in — say, in the backpack.

* Power napping. Studies show that millions of Americans suffer from lack of sleep. The average person gets only about six hours of sleep each night. And teenagers, with our hectic schedules and piles of homework, often get less than that.

Now psychologists and educators are suggesting tired students take “power naps” during the day. So-called experts say 15- to 20-minute naps can keep most people going for another four hours. The key is to not sleep more than 30 minutes.

I tried taking a “power nap” the other day and woke up more tired than I was before and concluded that it was a waste of 15 valuable minutes. I feel more rejuvenated after a cup of coffee and a candy bar, thank you.

And speaking of candy … I am still basking in the afterglow of Halloween. As I sit next to a pile of candy wrappers and leave chocolate smudges on my homework papers, I can’t help but think to myself, “Mmmm, I love candy!” So, I thought I’d share with you some candy trivia:

Candy companies rake in more than $950 million in Halloween sales.

The average American eats 24 pounds of candy every year.

The favorite of American consumers: chocolate (big surprise).

A chocolate candy bar is no more likely to cause tooth decay than a slice of bread.

Neither jelly beans nor lollipops contain any fat or cholesterol.

Eating large amounts of candy does not cause acne.

Speaking of acne … (See how everything is connected? It’s cosmic.) A new study links acne to teenage suicide and depression.

According to the American Counseling Association, acne is “often a source of embarrassment and anxiety to teenagers” (well, duh), and even mild acne can affect a student psychologically, socially and academically.

Do you think those who did the study took “I’m going to kill myself if this zit doesn’t go away by Friday’s dance” a little too seriously?

College 411

This column will regularly feature college planning information and other helpful tips for all you college-bound students because, according to the Power Student’s online college-prep network, it’s never to early to start planning your future. (Gee, what an original thought.)

Anyone who is slightly computer savvy can visit the Power Students Network on the Internet at www.powerstudents.com to “learn how to get into, pay for and survive the college of your dreams.”

College Fair ‘98 at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds is Wednesday and Thursday. Check with your counselor for details or call 323-6510.

Also, I found a great book called America’s Best College Scholarships (available at most bookstores for $19.95), which explains the steps students need to take to create an impressive resume.

And it features 93 colleges offering more than 3,000 merit-based scholarships.

If you’re looking for college dough, you may want to check this book out.

Question of the Month

What is your least favorite thing about the holidays and why? (Send answers to Our Generation, 999 W. Riverside, Spokane WA 99201 or e-mail ourgeneration@spokesman.com.)

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