It’s a passing period, and a cramp is killing you—thanks to your period. As you step into the stall with a pad hidden under your sweatshirt, your heart races. You wait for someone to flush before quickly opening the wrapper.

This scenario is common among school students. Many feel uncomfortable or embarrassed during their periods, and the lack of supplies in dispensers only adds to this. No one wants to ask the nurse for a pad—it’s too embarrassing. Canyon Vista could create a more supportive environment if schools invested in menstrual products. It has been done before. Current Westwood sophomore and Canyon Vista graduate Saanvi Mittal worked with the student council to advocate and install dispensers. The menstrual product dispensers were installed last year, but the dispensers were emptied and broken. 

“I’m really sad that people misused something that was supposed to help students,” Mittal said.  

Because of the destruction of the dispensers, students have to rely on the nurse to provide menstruation supplies. 

“Asking a nurse for a pad makes me uncomfortable,”  Adriana Salmo (7) said.

Many students would feel more comfortable on our campus if the dispensers were restocked. According to Mrs. Galvan, 6th grade counselor, because of the destruction of the dispensers, the school felt like it was a waste of resources if the dispensers were to be ruined. 

“They need to restock it,” an anonymous interviewee said. 

To support the students at Canyon Vista Middle School who menstruate, it is essential to take proper care of the dispensers, as one day you might find yourself in need of them.