Looking forward to going off campus and getting Chipotle with my friends at lunch, since I did not pack anything for myself, I heard on the announcements that the school was a closed campus for the day. I sank into my seat, mourning the burrito bowl that was once a part of my future. 

   During the football pep rally on Oct. 30 and Club Rush on Dec. 2, students who were used to going off campus at lunch were forced to stay in school on the closed campus day. The campus was closed off because the administration believed that more students being on campus would lead to more engagement in school spirit.

   Many students were not aware of the campus closing ahead of time. I had no idea about it until I heard the announcements that day. This made me upset because I was planning on going off campus, and I did not feel motivated to attend the events just because I could not leave campus.

   ASB verified that they closed the campus at lunch to promote more participation and campus involvement for student events.    

   From what I have seen, students do not feel more encouraged to go to these events; instead, they are more frustrated with the school. 

   Many students use going off campus at lunch as a way to disconnect from all of the stress surrounding school. Taking this perk away from them is unfair because they were already allowed this privilege in the first place. 

   ASB and school administrators should develop other methods for encouraging students to participate in school activities instead of trying to force their presence. 

    Students who want to attend will stay for the activities. If they want a larger attendance, they should build these activities into the school schedule and not take away from students’ lunch time.