According to the CDC, the majority of primary and secondary schools require physical education courses as part of the curriculum. The strong benefits of such classes have been well documented, arguably making them an integral part of a well rounded educational experience. These classes revolve directly around getting students moving through different physical activities such as sports and games. This increase of physical activity has been proven to promote a better physical well being through helping to reduce chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes. With overwhelming benefits to children and young adults, why are physical activity classes not a requirement at the College of Charleston? The idea of a liberal arts education is to provide a broad and comprehensive education that requires students to understand many different principles through general education requirements, even if it is not pertinent to their major. Knowing the benefits of physical education courses, it should be a general education requirement for all College of Charleston students to take at least one semester of a PEAC class.

First and foremost, college in a general sense can be a stressful environment. Exams, presentations, essays as well as trying to keep a social life is not always an easy task. It takes strong time management skills to be able to successfully balance all of the aspects of college. These stressors don't even factor in being away from family and friends. In short, there are a lot of aspects that make college stressful. According to the ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America), physical activity helps with improving physical condition, fighting disease, improving cognitive function and of course reducing stress. Going back to the issue of time management, it seems that often times classwork and social life can get ahead of us and it can lead to a neglect of taking proper care of our bodies and minds. Physical activity is only one part of the equation, but if it was something that was already part of the academic day, it would naturally fall into our schedule. This would take the time aspect away from fitting in a workout and it would become a more regimented activity. Having this structured time for physical activity would carry many benefits and therefore should be part of the general education curriculum at the College of Charleston.

Another added benefit that may not be recognized is the social aspect of these courses. In the courses, being on a cell phone is generally frowned upon and can damage a grade quickly. This results in students being in the present and having to talk to their peers and meet new people. Often times it is hard to meet people in the class because there is not a necessity or opportunity to do so. Unless one is grouped for a project there is not always a need to talk to classmates. In the PEAC classes, the benefit is that there is a diverse group of people. Everyone is not in the same field of study and everyone is not the same year. It is a low-stress environment that allows people to meet each other all while having a friendly competition and being active. This environment is in contrast to many of the social settings college students can find themselves in, which include drugs and alcohol. This takes those things out of the picture, creating a much healthier setting for socialization. Knowing that these classes create an opportunity to meet new people through a common interest in an activity is just another reason that PEAC classes should be required at the College of Charleston.

Last but not least, the city of Charleston and the surrounding area have many opportunities that other colleges and universities do not have. The access to the ocean as well as the mild climate and abundant local facilities provides opportunities for students that they may not otherwise have. Current course offerings include disc sports, golf, sailing, kayaking, tennis, surfing and much more. These activities/sports are unique in the sense that it is necessary to have good weather and proper equipment. Essentially, the college is offering opportunities for students to try things that may be difficult to try under regular circumstances. A student from Indiana is not likely going to have the opportunity to surf, but a PEAC surfing class would offer that unique opportunity. Essentially, with the weather, equipment, and the environment, Charleston has the ability to offer many fun outdoor courses for students and open them up to something new. As part of a college education as a whole, expanding out and trying new things is a necessary part of development. The wide offerings that C of C has allowed students to choose something interesting to them and pursue it. Trying different things is very important to growing up and being able to follow the college's motto of "know thyself". Having said this, it should be a part of the general education curriculum to take at least one PEAC course.

In conclusion, there are numerous benefits to physical education activity classes, especially at the College of Charleston. These benefits include the physical, social and opportunistic. Although it is currently an elective course, because of the known benefits, it would be smart for the College to make at least one semester a requirement. Through such action, it would promote even more well-rounded students who are adequately prepared for a lifetime of success. I truly believe in the program and would be delighted to see everyone take at least one course in the future.