Image from Google.
School Bathrooms:
Have you ever taken a visit to Washington High School’s gorgeous campus? Here, we have an open space, great infrastructure, updated classrooms, our very own Tak stadium, and a scenic view of Fremont’s hills. Unfortunately, however, there is one specific imperfection that needs to be voiced: the women’s restrooms. The main issue is the filth, the graffiti slander, and as of recently, the limited access to these restrooms, since they have been constantly locked. As unsanitary as they already are, for them to now be inaccessible too, is very frustrating for students. What is supposed to be a 5 minute trip is now an unnecessarily long hunt for a bathroom. These locked doors can result in tardiness in class, inconvenience for women who are menstruating, and extra long trips just to find the next closest bathroom, which will most likely be locked as well.
It has been said that these bathrooms have been forcefully locked due to the graffiti and slander that has been splashed along the stalls, mirrors, and walls. While this is a fair punishment to the vandalizers, it is extremely unfair to the students who are now forced to face the consequences for things they aren’t responsible for.
In an interview with Jasmine Contreras (12), she is in agreement with the frustrated students who express their concern on the restrooms. She says, “It feels as if we are getting their rights taken away as women, because a bathroom should be a right, not a privilege. For only two women’s restrooms to be unlocked throughout campus is ridiculous, given that it is a very large and open space, with only 6 minutes of time in between periods to reach your next class. This amount of time for passing period is unreasonable for those trying to reach a bathroom that is on the opposite side of their next class, which always results in tardies and detentions.”
Aside from the lack of accessibility due to the locked restrooms, it is the bathroom itself that is almost unbearable to endure. One of the many reasons is because of the rancid smells that come from marijuana use, unclean toilets, inability to clean up after oneself, used juices and food wrappers, and build up overtime. The uncomfortable experience also derives from the nasty, inappropriate slander written all over the stalls, mirrors, and walls. These words and phrases are sometimes very unsettling and difficult to ignore, especially when you may be reading something bad about yourself or someone you know. Soggy paper towels and food can also be found on the ceilings, launched and ready to fall on you, and make sure to find a friend to protect your stall door from opening, since some of the locks don’t even function properly.
Overall, the bathrooms have a lot of room to improve. The quality, function, and convenience are very far behind, and need to be worked heavily on. Although it may not stop the vandalization, it could widely benefit the students who are cautious about public use, and their safety.
Open Campus/Lunch Areas:
Imagine you are a student who is desperately hungry. During passing period, you see some mouth watering snacks gleaming back at you. As you put in your dollar to obtain your snack, you sense something wrong. You realize that the machine is broken, and has taken your hard earned money! Unfortunately, this is what Jasdeep Khela, alongside many other students here at Washington High School, face often.
Jasdeep is a junior at Washington. Alongside her academic career at Washington High School, she also is a part of the Washington’s Women’s Lacrosse team. When asked about any refinements that she would make to the school, Khela expressed how she would improve the situation of the vending machines throughout the school. “It’s not easy going from lunchtime throughout practice without any food or snacks,” she says. She indicated that if the vending machines were to work, she and many other students at Washington would greatly benefit from it. Jasdeep says it’s hard to know whether to use the vending machine or not: “It also took my money and I got no food back,” Jasdeep informed the interviewer in a recent interview. In addition to Jasdeep, there are many other students that face the same problem, and it is time for Washington to take action.
Still, there are many things that keep Washington’s campus in students’ good books. Specifically, here in California, many public schools have what are known as open campuses. Therefore, plenty of hallways are seen to be outside, while a few hallways are kept indoors. This is just the case for Washington.
Saira Sahota, a senior, and active leadership student, explains how she appreciates “that it is an open campus.” Sahota goes on to highlight that having an open campus provides for loads of fun for students in ways that are not necessarily noticeable to the typical student’s eye. For instance, Sahota went on to indicate how with an open campus, when leadership plans events, they are able to use the (outdoor) large amphitheater which ensures plenty of space for students to come and relax, get fresh air, and (on good days) enjoy the warm bright California sunshine. As a leadership student herself, Sahota notes that the open campus is also “super useful for rallies,” and other activities that can be held on the campus. One recent event includes WHS’ International Kitchen, and Night Market. In addition, Sahota explains how with an open campus, Washington’s unique campus is so “much more interesting,” highlighting Washington’s distinctive campus.
Ultimately, despite the improvements that can be made to the campus, it is also important to view the positives.
Nishitha Boosi, who is a senior at Washington High School, has lived in Fremont, California for the entirety of her life. She has grown up mostly in the small, but well known town of Niles. This is her first year writing for The Hatchet—Washington High School’s very own newspaper. She enjoys writing about current events, and art. Some of her hobbies include running, spending time with friends, and scrolling through social media. In the future, Nishitha plans on going to university. She is very excited for this school year to continue and prosper!
Seher Yates (12) is a student at Washington High School. She was born in Maryland and raised in Virginia, then moved to Fremont her freshman year of high school. This will be her first year at the paper, and her journalistic interests include pop culture and controversial topics. After adapting to California, Seher has found an interest in hiking at scenic spots and eating good Asian food. In her free time, Seher likes to complete puzzles or play brain games, and go out to explore with her friends. Seher plans to attend college down in Southern California.