By, Kaylin Tran

Entertainment Editor

According to the California Education Code, students are expected to meet re-
quirements in subjects ranging from English and mathematics to physical education and fine arts in order to graduate. They are further occupied with sports, extracurriculars, jobs, and other activities. By making community service a graduation requirement, schools not only advocate for mandatory volunteering, but create unnecessary stress for students.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to Mandatory community service defeats the entire purpose of this action. Forcing students to volunteer would create a group of uninspired and uninterested individuals due to their initial lack of commitment. Additionally, many students do not have the time nor the resources to fulfill an hourly requirement. About 676 Gabrielino students are currently enrolled in one or more Advanced Placement classes, and 430 participate in a sport. Many AP teachers specify in their s worth of homework is assigned each night. All sports practices are two hours or longer. With already tight schedules, students should not be forced to make time to volunteer.

With the overwhelming stress of balancing rigorous academic schedules, jobs, and extra activities, mandatory community service is the last thing students need. Mandatory volunteering also reinforces the idea of quantity over quality.

South Pasadena High School requires its students to perform at least 45 hours of community service, and Temple City High School requires a minimum of 100 hours. stated junior Eileen Duong, a student at Temple m in multiple AP classes and sevm also a part of the [Associated Student Body]. Sometimes I choose more a service with more hours just so I term volunteering. Students should be able to choose how to spend their extra time instead of being pressured to work in the community in addition to their daily school activities Rather than impose this action on unwilling students, schools can simply encourage participation in service events.

Organizations such as Key Club and Interact publicize many volunteer activities for their members to attend. Only by educating students about the benefits of giving back to their communities will schools be able to cultivate a population of people that truly value the ability to make an impact on their surroundings.