Thoughts on the School Uniform 

Ivanna Molina

Students at AST have worn uniforms for decades…but do they really like it? The uniform represents AST and its students, and it has looked almost exactly the same for years, but there are many different opinions on the matter: Many students love the uniform for its practicality and simplicity, while others hate it, considering it boring. Some also feel the uniform policy is enforced too harshly and that the rules are too strict, but others think the dress code rules are not strict enough.

Here are what some students had to say about the style rules regarding the uniform they wear every day: 

Let’s begin with this writer’s personal opinion. As much as I appreciate the practicality of the uniform itself, I do tend to get bored or uncomfortable with it sometimes. Due to its basic and colorless nature, it's hard to express myself and my style at school, but the simple colors do make it easy to match certain accessories to it, adding my own personal touch! Now, sometimes the hot temperatures of Honduras can make the uniform's dark pants and polo shirt feel like one’s personal sauna, and of course, I don’t like that very much, but whenever it gets cold, those same dark-colored pants and polo feel great! Although I do wish the school produced more interesting, less hot uniforms, I feel they are certainly manageable to deal with as a student.

Here are other students’ opinions on the matter. One student mentioned the sizing of uniforms. For example, they said the physical education uniforms are not made with a sufficient range of sizes and that sometimes the sizing is simply done incorrectly. This student claimed that if they go one size up in the uniform, it becomes too big to the point that it is uncomfortable but if they use their typical size, it is too tight. They also mentioned that they felt the material was of low quality, claiming that the fabric sometimes becomes transparent, or see-through. 

Other students shared similar opinions and suggested that the school should provide more options, or student choice, for P.E. uniforms. They also suggested that sweatpants should be allowed on colder days and that there should be more options for creative expression. 

Many students said they wish AST could be more flexible with its dress code. Other students find the uniforms useful, saying they make getting ready for school easy in the mornings, and many agree that there are moments when the dress code is justifiably enforced in a strict manner.

The debate about school uniforms can become complicated, and this article was only able to review a few opinions from students currently studying at AST. To conclude, this writer would like to remind readers that the school uniform is something we students should respect, honoring school policies and patiently working for change if we don’t like them.