The Importance of Taking a Sick Day

BY RACHEL CALLAHAN

Some of my best childhood memories are sick days – it was the only time I was permitted to drink soda and watch television on a school day. At the first sign of a cough I was begging to stay home. Unfortunately, in high school things are different and at the cusp of illness, and I must now act quickly by taking a nap and drinking lots of water in hopes that I can shake it off. Getting sick is not the fun it used to be; in fact, it has become nearly impossible to convince students to stay in bed.

Sniffling and tissue laden students often fill the hallways and classrooms of Cooper City High School. Entire rows can be empty as a result of the latest sickness making its rounds. The usual occupants of these empty desks deserve our appreciation – they are doing what any normal human being should do: taking care of themselves. Not only are they bringing themselves back to health but they’re protecting the health of their fellow classmates. One empty row can quickly turn into two when that one kid stumbles into class looking half dead, determined to come to class regardless of whether or not it’s important that they be there. I hate to burst anyone’s bubble, but perfect attendance isn’t exactly the pinnacle of all great accomplishments.

My hypothesis is that the delirious state of being sick causes students to forget that there are two days allotted to complete assignments and make up any missed tests. It’s ridiculous that students feel so much pressure to do well that they sacrifice the wellbeing of themselves and others. The amount of pressure put on students these days is unfair, and daily, parents and teachers stress the importance of attendance. Coming to school is important, but there’s no point in coming when you’re coughing too loudly to hear anything. Taking a sick day should be a no brainer, not a stressed-over decision.