By Kyle Arechiga

I had an essay due in my first-period English class, but my teacher required that it be printed. My printer at home was not working and everything came out blotchy and smudged. I knew that if I did not turn in the assignment the next day it would only be accepted for late credit, 50 percent of the original grade, even though I had done the assignment on time. I would have to hope that I had time and that there was no line to print at the library before school.

In this digital age, technology is paramount for the success of any high school student. However, one piece of technology that is often overlooked by schools is printing. At Granada Hills Charter (GHC), it is no different. Establishing dedicated areas for students to print would alleviate the stress of not being able to print at home, the inconvenience of printing at the school library, or asking for a teacher to print an assignment. 

“I don’t have a printer at home because it’s not seen as a necessity by my family,” junior Gio Rubio said. “Whenever I get an assignment, I have to print it at school, and the library isn’t always reliable since there are classes in there.” 

Rubio is not alone. Only half of Americans still own a printer according to the Washington Post.

At a school as reputable and technologically focused as GHC, only having one printer for students is quite a shock.

“An area for students to print would be useful for teachers as it would reduce the burden of printing for students,” math teacher Sam Huse said. “It would also help alleviate the stress between those working in the library and the students who need printing.”

GHC students are always told to strive for academic success, but how will this standard ever be achieved if certain students are being penalized in terms of grades simply due to their lack of a printing service? 

Having a dedicated printing area with multiple printers that Chromebooks can access for students just makes sense. It simplifies the process of printing for students who don’t have easy access to a printer, reduces stress for both students and teachers and overall, improves the day-to-day life of a GHC student. It is a practical step that would prioritize the needs of students while ensuring increased academic success.