The parking garage at the main building is a space with dual uses. It provides a space for students, staff and faculty to park their cars, and it also provides cigarette-smoking students a place to congregate. The second floor of the deck has two designated smoking spots, one on either side of the automatic sliding door, where students can enjoy their nicotine between classes. At any given moment, dozens of students can be seen socializing and puffing their time away. Many non-smokers often wonder about the draw of this sacred spot.
Even though it is common knowledge that smoking is believed to cause cancer, Gallup polls indicate that 21 percent of Americans smoke, and another 21 percent are former smokers. “It’s really just a stress reliever,” explained Gonzo Patino, first-year M.F.A. interior design student. Patino has been trying to quit for two years, but has never been able to stop. It is estimated by the American Cancer Society that smoking can take 13.2 years off of a man’s life and 14.5 off of a woman’s.
With statistics like that, why are young people picking up the habit? “I don’t know why I smoke, but I got started when I was 15,” third-year advertising student Kacey Lillingim said. “Going to SCAD is stressful and smoking gives me a chance to relax.” Although she plans to quit when she graduates, Lillingim admits that she is addicted. She is not an anomaly.
In fact, during a class break on Thursday nearly all of the student smokers asked about why light up credit the school stress as the main reason behind their smoking. Asa Ayers, M.F.A. illustration student, concurs. “The feelings I get from smoking allow me a five-minute de-stressing break from my school work,” he said. Third-year photography student Codi Glancy also admits to smoking in order to take the time to relax.
The designated smoking zone is a popular place for students to mingle outside of the dorms and classroom. Many different majors assemble during breaks to socialize while smoking, making it a place to find friends as well. Meghann Everhardt, fourth-year painting student, credits the area for helping her make friends her first few days at SCAD. “It’s where I’ve met a lot of my friends. It’s half smoking spot, half social activity.”
M.F.A. interior design students, Chris Smith and Charlotte Morris, have recently quit smoking, but at school they find themselves drawn to the congregation of smokers to bum a smoke. “We don’t want to buy a pack, because, duh, we quit, but sometimes I really crave one,” Morris said.
Many of the smokers at SCAD explained that although they do not feel pressure to smoke from other students, they do think that there is a camaraderie between fellow student smokers. Because smoking is confined to designated areas, students find themselves part of a group. “Being in such a small area, smoking with lots of students, is really a bonding experience. We all get to share the fact that we’re smokers,” said Josh Jameson, fourth-year illustration student.
While some students plan to quit after graduation, Jameson offers an alternative viewpoint. “I just really enjoy smoking, I know I’m not going to quit. The only reason I would stop is for health reasons and when I have kids. Until then, I’m going to enjoy my cigarettes.”
Students interested in getting assistance with quitting smoking and honoring those who have died from tobacco-related illnesses celebrated Kick Butts Day in the Hub on March 31 with SCOPE, an organization that supports students who want to quit smoking. Even though the event has passed, students can still contact Karen Adkins in Student Support Services or visit kickbuttsday.org to learn more about quitting.
