Where Matadors Play!

Sioneh Melkonian

Professor Slobod

English 113B

16 March 2012

Where Matadors Play

            $62,354,790 is a lot of money to fund for a university recreation center. With this in mind, it is crucial to make sure that large amounts of money like this are spent with the students being the number one concern. The Student Recreation Center at California State University, Northridge has been in the making for the past two decades. The actual idea was conceptualized in 1992, and in 2002 it actually started to take off. It was not until 2007 that students started to vote on whether or not they would be in favor of the Student Recreation Center being built or against the idea (Nesbitt). It was the students who were attending the university in those years that laid down the groundwork for the future students. Finally, in the spring of 2012, it was at last ready to be in use. The Student Recreation Center was a good investment because it gives students a place to relieve their stress, encourages physical activity, and gives students an extra opportunity to meet new people.

            Going into college, most students feel overwhelmed with their workload when they first begin this new chapter in their lives, causing them to constantly be stressed out over diverse situations ranging from financial issues to the constant pressure to receive good grades. There are many different ways that one can relieve stress; exercising is actually the most beneficial and efficient. According to Fleur Hupston from NaturalNews.com, “Exercise essentially burns away the chemicals like cortisol and norepinephrine that cause stress” (Hupston). This systematically proves that exercise does, indeed, eradicate stress. When students have midterms and finals that cause them to panic from the excessive amount of studying and work that needs to be done, going to the Student Recreation Center can be the eliminator of the stress. Not only does it scientifically eliminate the stress, but it takes ones mind off of school for a little while as well. By doing this, it is a form of relaxation for the student without the time being wasted. Hupston also states that stress relating to school or work is called external stress, which cannot be avoided. “Since they can't be avoided, the exposure to stress needs to be managed by avoiding situations that will cause stress as much as possible, like going for a jog” (Hupston). Like the author states, since the stress cannot be avoided, a healthy alternative would be to exercise.

Alongside the fact that exercising relieves stress, it is also constructive to your health because it prevents rapid weight gain that is caused when a student stresses out. If one does not manage their stress, it can lead to unhealthy dieting. With the obesity rate rising in the United States, it is crucial to find a healthy way to manage ones stress with something as healthy as exercising (“Obesity..). Dr. Kalvin Chinyere states on his website for “Weight loss Tips” that “two out of every three adults are either overweight or obese” (Chinyere). That is quite a high statistic, and surely an unhealthy one. If exercise is formulated in the lives of the students of California State University, Northridge by using the Student Recreation Center, it will reduce the risk of one becoming either overweight or obese, while living a stress-free life. Whereas some may say that there are other ways to relieve ones stress like listening to music, exercising would be more advantageous due to the fact that it is also a healthier alternative. A university surely would not want to put a price tag on the wellness of its students.

            With the hectic schedules that many scholars reluctantly have, students often avoid physical activity without really noticing it; however, the Student Recreation Center makes it convenient for students to attend by providing an easy access to a gym. Because the location is on campus, students are able to find time for a quick workout at the gym even if it is in between classes or homework breaks. It is common for a student to have an irregular class schedule with several breaks that are not long enough to leave campus for. This makes the location even more suitable since it would not be a hassle at all. On the other hand, if there were no Student Recreation Center provided on our campus, students would have to resort to having an outside gym membership, which causes an inconvenience due to having to drive there and back to get to school to be on time. This may lead to students being late to class because of street traffic, or lack of finding a parking space. Professors also put a high emphasis on being punctual to class, therefore, having the slight chance of being late to class can cause a student to lose points in the classroom and affect their grade. Since there is that extra hassle, students will not be as encouraged to exercise, fearing for the consequences of possibly not being able to arrive to class on time. Although some may argue that students may attend local gyms that are not on campus, the Student Recreation Center offers much more variety compared to regular gyms. What separates our Student Recreation Center from other local gyms in the area is that fact that there is the variety of physical activity options. A student can get the physical activity he/she needs without working on traditional cardio machines. For instance, our Student Recreation Center offers gymnasium courts, multi activity courts, fitness zones, indoor jogging track, outdoor pool, rock climbing walls, etc. This variety customizes a physical activity workout for all kinds of students’ interests. Whether you are in the mood to go running on the indoor track, or do a few laps in the pool, the Student Recreation Center has it all for you.

            A gateway to success in one’s life begins in college. Choosing to go to a University opens many doors of accomplishment. A very popular phrase is “Education is a great investment for your future.” Most job offers nowadays are usually through networking. The Student Recreation Center is another way to meet new people. Students’ who attend the gym begin to see the same familiar faces over and over again; hence, they eventually form friendships, which can lead to a form of networking. Moreover, it gets students involved with the campus. One of the many benefits is that one gets the occasion to meet people with the same hobbies as he/she has. These may include swimming, or dancing. Furthermore, the Student Recreation Center gives students who wish to become athletes an opportunity to “participate in national and regional competitive sports” which is described by the Associated Students of Cal State, Northridge. (“Sport..). Some of the sports clubs they offer are archery, women’s rugby, ice hockey, ballroom dancing, boxing club, etc. With this broad range of activities it makes it rather difficult for someone to not meet new people! Although people may argue that there are clubs and sororities/fraternities to network with, they do actually require additional money in order to be a member. On the other hand, the Student Recreation Center does not require an additional payment. All the funding that went into creating the Student Recreation center is similar to a down payment for contributing to a student’s success by means of networking.

            Looking at a large number like $62,354,790 may seem intimidating, but looking at all the benefits for such an investment makes it all the more worth it. Because of the new Student Recreation Center, students now can relieve stress in a healthy way, encourage students to participate in physically activity, and have more opportunities to network! Just a small investment for a successful future.

Works Cited

Chinyere, Dr. Kalvin. "Obesity In America." Dr. Kal's Weight Loss Tips. Web. 27 Feb. 2012.

Hupston, Fleur. "How Exercise Relieves Stress and Anxiety." NaturalNews.com. 06 May

 2010. Web. 26 Feb. 2012.

Nesbitt, Irene. "SRC to Celebrate Its Grand Opening." Daily Sundial, 22 Jan. 2012. Web. 26

Feb. 2012.

"Obesity Rates Rising: 10 Fattest Countries In The Developed World." The Huffington

            Post, 22 Feb. 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2012.

"Sport Clubs." Csunas.org. California State University, Northridge. Web. 27 Feb. 2012.