Juul rhymes with cool (and also with fool)

First things first: vaping is bad for you.

It’s presented as a healthier alternative to smoking, but in truth, it can lead to serious consequences such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, or “wet lung,” according to a case study published by the journal Pediatrics on AAP News & Journals Gateway.

Not to mention, it can lead to a plain old nicotine addiction.

So if it’s bad in general, it’s even worse in a classroom setting.

At FIU, all types of smoking are banned as of July 2011. Yet seeing people smoke on campus, and even in the classroom, are commonplace.

And since it’s banned, students tend to go for the more inconspicuous choice, which is vaping.

Instead of criticizing the university’s policy, we feel the need to direct our message to the students themselves.

It seems silly to have to say this, but one shouldn’t be forced to smell or inhale your preferred aromas; to take part in your vices.

Especially when there are students with asthma and other breathing problems.

Moreover, students with glasses would like to see clearly.

And a classroom is supposed to have a degree of dignity, conducive to seriousness and effectiveness; which is why other forms of indulgence, like loudly chewing food or using your phone with the full volume on, are rightfully frowned upon.

The world is wide enough to provide places and times to do those things. But in a public, collective setting, one should forgo personal whims for the greater good.

The first step to realizing this is admitting that e-cigarettes are simply a refinement of a deadly vice, not a replacement.

Only then may you correctly judge your actions.

Photo by Rist Art on Unpslash.