Three Pitches

Dear Editor:

Alcohol is often a problem at major universities such as Washington State University; but how effective are the alcohol education classes that students are forced to take after receiving a strike in eradicating alcohol use among minors?

At WSU students are allowed three strikes when it comes to activities that go against student conduct rules. If the receive three strikes they are expelled from the university unless they repel. However, after one strike students are forced to take an alcohol education class.

I would like to investigate if this class even prevents alcohol use by minors as many people who take the class end up getting a second and even third strike. I would like to write an article on how effective the class is and if there are other programs available for preventing alcohol related problems. I will speak with people in the Office of Student Affairs as well as students who have attended the class.

Sincerely,
Sarah Ducharme




Dear Editor:

When asked what they miss most from home, many college students say their favorite pets. So why not have a furry companion at school?

The Whitman County Humane Society in Pullman has many household pets that are waiting to be adopted. By adopting animals, people have a constant companion and they save the life of an animal in need. Not only are animals from the humane society much cheaper than animals from a breeder, they also come with up-to-date shots and they are spayed or neutered.

My article will show that positive and negative sides of adopting a pet instead of buying one from a breeder. I will interview people from the humane society, a local breeder, and a student who has adopted an animal.

Thank you for your time,
Sarah Ducharme




Dear Editor:

Many students at Washington State University use the Student Recreation Center on a regular basis and know how to use the equipment correctly. However, there are also students who are afraid to use certain equipment because they do not know the proper way to use them or they do not know what to do in order to meet their fitness goals.

The Recreation Center has personal trainers available for students to get one-on-one training from a knowledgeable source. The personal trainers cost a lot more per session than most college students are able to afford.

I would like to research how many students pay for the service, as well as find out from students how much they would be willing to spend on a trainer. I would interview trainers and a manager from the Recreation Center to see if they have anyone available to show students how to use equipment for free.

Thank you,
Sarah Ducharme