Understanding the Impact of School Policies on Student Well-being and Medication Access
Navigating School Restrictions During Exam Week: A Personal Perspective
For many students, managing academic responsibilities involves more than just studying — it includes handling necessary personal items, such as laptops and medications. Recent changes in school policies can significantly impact students’ ability to access essential health needs, especially during stressful periods like exams.
In my school, we start each year with the requirement to bring large, heavy laptops daily for coursework. Last semester, during exam week, students were permitted to carry backpacks, recognizing the practical necessity of having a bag for essentials. However, a few weeks ago, the administration announced that backpacks would no longer be allowed during exam sessions, even though we still needed to bring our laptops.
In response, I opted for a small tote bag, but it proved insufficient for carrying everything — including my lunch, water, and personal items such as my emergency medication supplies (inhaler, epipen, pads, salt, pain relievers), a snack, and writing instruments. Carrying all of this without a proper bag was challenging, but I managed.
Recently, I fell seriously ill and required regular doses of antibiotics, which needed to be taken at specific times throughout the day. Unlike some medications, antibiotics require precise timing, and missing doses can hinder recovery. Unfortunately, due to school policies and bureaucratic procedures, I couldn’t simply hand my medication to school staff. My mother’s work schedule prevents her from delivering medication at specific times, and obtaining necessary paperwork takes days to weeks.
On the day I needed to take my medication, I entered the school with my packed tote bag. However, as soon as I arrived, staff insisted I could not carry bags into the exam hall. Despite explaining my situation and trying to organize my belongings on the table, a staff member noticed my medication and reacted strongly, confiscating it immediately and taking it to a separate room. This left me overwhelmed, tearful, and uncertain about when I would be able to take my medication.
The outcome was devastating: my medication was discarded without warning. I was scheduled to continue the antibiotics for seven days, but now I cannot complete the course, which affects my health and recovery. While missing a dose may not be life-threatening, it significantly impacts my breathing and overall well-being. I was eager to get better, and this situation has only added to my frustration.
Reflecting on this experience, I wonder if there was anything I could have done differently