daniel chigunwe
Latwell Nyangu
Youth Interactive Writer
College campuses are often perceived as vibrant hubs of learning and social interaction.
However, behind the bustling facade lies a hidden issue that affects a significant number of students, hunger.
The inability to access an adequate and reliable food supply is a pressing concern for many college-goers, leading them to make difficult choices between buying academic resources or buying groceries, attending classes, or working extra hours to afford a meal.
It’s always difficult to do assignments and concentrate when you are hungry.
I have always thought that if our stomachs were transparent and we could see the food inside, we might have been feeling embarrassed every time we walked around.
Many people would have committed suicide because of the embarrassment but this is just an imagination.
Thank God, our stomachs are covered.
Some of foods we eat may not be something we want others to know about because they will end up mocking us.
We should be grateful for how God designed our bodies, ensuring that our stomach contents remain hidden from view.
It’s common for students to struggle with hunger, sometimes resorting to actions they wouldn’t normally take just to satisfy their hunger. This week, I empathise with those college students who often go hungry while pursuing their education.
Starting college can be a thrilling and life-changing experience for many young individuals.
For some students, this journey through higher education comes with unexpected challenges that can significantly impact their well-being.
One such challenge is the struggle of going to college without having enough food to eat.
The pain of hunger among college students is a harsh reality that often goes unnoticed but can have profound effects on academic performance, physical health, and overall quality of life.
The impact of hunger on academic success cannot be overstated.
One of the most critical areas affected by hunger among college students is their academic performance.
The inability to access an adequate food supply can hinder students’ ability to concentrate in class, retain information effectively, and perform well on assessments such as exams and assignments.
This struggle with hunger-related issues can significantly impede their educational progress and overall success in college.
Students who go to college without eating enough may struggle to concentrate in class, retain information, and perform well on exams.
Like always, I write what I see and sometimes what I experience.
When I tell people that I have been through almost every stage of life as I am carving my path to success.
There was a time, we would not have anything to eat in the morning and had lunch and supper only.
And if you are a student, it’s not easy because you spend time with different fellow students, some who come with food and some who buy expensive food.
One thing I know is that we all have our pride and that should remain with us.
As a student, you can’t be going around asking for food but you will always have a wish that you carry your own food or have your pocket money.
Beyond the immediate academic repercussions, the physical and mental health consequences of inadequate eating can be severe for college students.
I have noticed that some of the assignments written by some students are as a result of hunger.
Some students write half a page, and some just place their work higgledy-piggledy without the semblance of order.
Some just become weak, some lose interest in learning and I have noticed that some of these effects are as a result of hunger.
If you go to college without eating anything, these are some of the challenges students face.
Prolonged periods of food deprivation can lead to fatigue, weakness, compromised immune function, and increased susceptibility to illnesses.
The pain of going to college without eating anything is a stark reminder of the systemic challenges faced by many students pursuing higher education.
I have also noted that hunger can significantly affect a student’s academic performance by reducing their ability to concentrate, focus, and retain information.
Studies have shown that hungry students often struggle with completing tasks, understanding concepts, and performing well on tests.
At some point, I saw a student failing to complete their exam and they faltered, I suspected a case of hunger.
Hunger can also contribute to behavioural issues in the classroom. Students who are hungry may exhibit signs of irritability, restlessness, and difficulty controlling their emotions.
This can lead to disruptions in the learning environment and impact both the student experiencing hunger and their peers.
Most students have been affected by hunger since it affects their energy levels, mood, and ability to interact with others.
Students experiencing hunger may face difficulties engaging in social interactions, building relationships with peers, and actively participating in classroom discussions.
The stigma associated with food insecurity can hinder students from utilising available resources, leading to feelings of embarrassment or shame when accepting free meals from classmates.
Research indicates that academic performance improves when students have access to breakfast on campus.
Let’s cultivate a community of learners free from hunger.
Until we meet for a toast!
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