Writer to DCCCD: Lift those gym fees

At one of Tarrant County Community College’s (TCCC) branches located on the southeast side of Arlington, I was given the opportunity to take school seriously. While attending TCCC, I had to pay a one-time parking fee, a laboratory fee and buy textbooks that were more expensive than the tuition fee of $46 per semester hour. Once everything was paid, I was allowed to use every facility, including the gym equipment, at no extra cost.

As my life changed, I had to relocate and attend a different school. I decided to enroll at North Lake and I thought, “Different school, same concept, as far as paying for classes and tuition.”

But unlike TCCC, North Lake students are charged a $40 fee every three months to use the gym. I believe that students should not be charged this fee, since we are already paying for the use of the building.

When I learned that I had to pay $40, I was in total shock! My perception was that the $30 tuition fee at North Lake would cover the building usage as the $46 fee did at TCCC. I was amazed to find out that a community college whose purpose is to support and help its community would discourage students from utilizing the gym.

I did some investigation on my own and found that students who are attending physical education classes, as well as staff members, are the only ones entitled to use the gym at no charge. I guess not charging these individuals for using the gym is part of the ‘fringe benefits‘ received on behalf of the students who help pay their salaries.

But what do students actually get for their tuition? Where does our money go?

I was under the impression that the purpose of attending a community college was to help students save money on their education. Charging $40 does not help the students with their health or security.

For example, I am a person who uses exercise as an outlet to release my stress in a positive way, as well as keeping myself healthy. I also feel more secure as a woman exercising indoors when it is too dark for me to be outside jogging at the park. It helps eliminate the possibility of something unpleasant happening to me.

It is outrageous that North Lake charges students an extra fee to exercise on campus. Whatever the purpose, I would like the gym to be free of charge to those already enrolled as students. I’m sure I am not the only one who thinks this way.

Obesity has grown to be an epidemic in the United States. The MayoClinic.com Web site states that about two-thirds of Americans face weight issues. One in three adults are considered obese. Being overweight puts one at greater risk of developing serious illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer.

I strongly believe those are enough reasons for the gym facilities to be free of charge for students. Everyone benefits from using the gym. North Lake would benefit in the sense that it would provide a healthy, more productive community. And that also translates to healthier minds and a healthier bottom line.