It has become something of a cliche. College students gaining the "freshman 15" when away from home and on their own for the first time.
Another cliche is that of students who have been in college awhile making many a meal from ramen noodles and pop tarts. Cheap and filling. And it saves money for other more essential pursuits-which sometimes means a night at a local club.
There's some truth to both. And we are sure there are more than a few readers who can relate to those experiences.
But there's another truth as well. Some students never gain that freshman 15. And for them saving money on food is not a way to splurge later on beer or frozen margaritas, but something they have had to do their whole lives.
College is a financial struggle for many. But for some students it's an almost insurmountable challenge to make ends meet while attending classes, studying and usually working one or more jobs. With a budget is stretched thin, it's sometimes difficult to keep food on the table. And that's not good.
Still they persist. The rewards are worth it.
At Texarkana College, students are getting some help with the groceries.
Since June, the school has operated a food pantry to help students. Helped by Harvest Texarkana and local donations, their goal is to make sure students don't go hungry while doing their best to make a better life.
That's a good thing.
Higher education is quite an accomplishment. It's something we encourage in our society. We tell people if you want to better your circumstances, get an education, learn new skills, make yourself more valuable to prospective employers.
But we don't always look at the big picture. There is more to it than just hitting the books and studying hard.
That's why programs such as TC's food bank are important. It shows the school is thinking about students' lives beyond the classroom.
With such support, students who struggle to have enough food are a step closer to success.