Up in Smoke

     There are those who might argue that smoking is not good for the human body, but there are actually many benefits to be found from this soothing habit. Providing a smoking pit at Princess Margaret School allows the students to gain from these benefits.

     The gathering of the smoker's group is one of the first impressions that the general public is given of the Princess Margaret campus. This small group of students that huddles together on the fringe of the school property demonstrates to the public that there is definitely school unity and cohesiveness among its population. A very positive and lasting impression is created for the drivers that pass by, people walking and those who live within the vicinity of the school.  A good example is also being presented on a daily basis to the up and coming students from Skaha Lake Middle School. The smokers are constantly outside enjoying the fresh air and sunshine that comes with living in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. Their socializing skills are consistently being developed throughout the entire day and as an added bonus, from their vantage point, these smokers have the best position to watch and support the school tennis team.

     There are certain physical, mental and health rewards that smoking provides.  Smoking is relaxing and helps to reduce stress which means that  the smoke pit students are virtually stress free. An additional plus for smoking is that it helps to control excess body weight.  Everyone knows that being too fat and overweight is detrimental to the health so this group of smokers is really giving a boost to their physical well being. They also save money on perfume and body wash since their hair, hands and clothes have that wonderful smoke smell.

     This special group of students, with their nicotine habits and addictions, is working diligently to help society.  They contribute to the economy because of the high taxes that are charged on each and every package of cigarettes. Without the revenue from smoking, the government would be required to find more money from other sources, and as a result these smokers are protecting the non smokers from higher taxation.

     With all of the benefits that these smokers gain from their habit and the positive perks smoking brings to the rest of society, why would they ever want to quit?