Excuses Are Through the Roof

By Kahleel Bragg
Staff writer

Over the past few weeks, the pressure of the closing semester has forced the slackers and the overburdened to become creative and inventive. Professors have probably heard both legitimate and bogus excuses from their students. However, some students have part-time or full-time jobs off campus, family troubles, or other issues outside of school. Therefore, this time of year can be called, “Excuse Season.” But are some of these excuses true, or do students just buy themselves some extra time to get things done?

Professor Pat Aievoli, the director of the Interactive Multimedia Arts program, when asked about his opinion on excuses at this time of year, began to chuckle. “Oh, I’ve received plenty of them,” said Aievoli. “As a student 25 years ago, I learned to get everything done before Thanksgiving break.” Aievoli believes it is essential to get your work done as soon as possible because excuses are unacceptable.

As students, we have all heard some pretty wild excuses, and a good majority of us are guilty of giving out a few ourselves. In an informal survey on campus, students admit they have used excuses in the past when they weren’t ready to hand in an assignment or take a test.

Yanna Gatanas, a Public Relations junior, has overheard a few excuses during her college career. “Yeah, someone told my professor they were out of town, and their flight got delayed so they weren’t able to make the final test,” she said.

Janae Finlator, a Public Relations senior, has also told her professors a couple of excuses before. “I told my professor I had strep throat before so I couldn’t hand in an assignment,” said Finlator. “Another excuse I used was back spasms; older teachers can relate to that.”

One of the most commonly used excuses was a death in the family. Students tend to try to play with a teacher’s emotional side in order for them to be able get some extra time. Now, all students don’t lie, but some excuses are just outrageous.

There are other students, however, who just don’t believe in excuses. “I used to give excuses in high school, but I’ve matured greatly since then. I don’t like excuses; just get your stuff done, that’s it, ” said Najai Shepherd, sophomore Journalism major.

Sometimes excuses are just cushions for failure, and the more you become comfortable with excuses, the more accustomed you become with failure. This shall be a lesson to all students on campus. Try to not make excuses if they aren’t true—instead make changes.