Let me start off by addressing the rumor that comes up every year: no, the freshmen class will not have gym for all four years. I do not know why people still fall for it every year, but it is not true.

While we are on the topic of gym, however, let me express my opinion on the physical education class in general.

Why is it required that we take this class in high school? I do not know about most of you, but ever since I started high school everything suddenly becomes “your responsibility.”

Teachers will not care if you do not complete your homework or study for tests because who cares? It is your grade. And no one is forcing you to attend after-school activities because who cares? It is your life.

Unless your parents actually do force you to go to afterschool clubs, in which case, I apologize.

If high school is all about accepting responsibility, why does Fairfax County require we take gym? After all, is it not our “responsibility” to stay in shape?

Maybe, just maybe, I could understand gym as a requirement if it were an intense class of physical endurance. However we all know this is not the case.

If I remember correctly, gym only runs the mile twice a year. So that means that if you took gym for the two years as required, you will run four miles in total.

What a workout.

Then of course, there are those who work out three times that amount every day, either through a school sport or other physical activity. Should these people really have to waste an hour and a half of their day on a “workout” that is nothing compared to what they will undergo after school?

I do not think that is fair. And I know I am not the only one who feels this way.

So basically what I am trying to say is that we should all rise up and fight back against the physical education system!

Just kidding, that is not what I am trying to say at all. Mostly because I am a junior and no longer have to take gym.

What I am trying to say, however, is that I do not think that it is the school’s responsibility to make sure its students are fit.

If we must have physical education classes, maybe more appealing calorie-burning classes should be offered, like yoga or rock climbing.

Everyone would be happier. Teachers would still be employed, students would stay fit, and I would not be complaining right now.