The Noxious Whiff of School Days: Cigarettes, AD Ointment, and Memories

Brighter days from a bygone era often come wrapped in the fragrances of cigarettes and the medicinal scent of AD ointment. For those who recall the schooldays of yore, the cigarette smoke lingering in the air and the thirdhand smoke on classmates' clothes are not just memories but a sensory experience that lingers in the mind.

Cigarette Smoke: A Lingering Presence

Back during my college days, smoking was a common, even encouraged practice, especially in the early 2000s. In the first semester, smoking was allowed in certain parts of the building, library, and student union. Cigarettes were prevalent, with smoking spots identified by the regulars within their schedules. Despite the advice from the Surgeon General decades ago, many continued to perceive smoking as natural and harmless.

The scent of cigarette smoke was omnipresent, even outdoors. The campus seemed obsessed with the habit. On midterm day, the smell from the lobby would seep in, and thirdhand smoke on others' clothes became overwhelming. Fall final exams, often conducted in the rain, intensified the smell due to the rain amplifying thirdhand smoke. For me, who didn't smoke, the barrage of secondhand and thirdhand smoke was unrelenting.

AD Ointment: A Universal Salve for Every Woe

Beyond the noxious smoke, other sensory experiences of those schooldays include the soothing and multi-purpose nature of AD ointment. This product, with its broad spectrum of uses, was a household staple for addressing a plethora of common ailments. My family regarded it as a miraculous cure-all, particularly effective for:

Chapped lips Cuts and scrapes Diaper rash A way to clear up a stuffy nose Treating the abrasions from bicycle falls

AD ointment seemed to offer a quick fix for almost anything, except for stomach trouble, which required a different remedy: Saline crackers and diet soda. For every concern ranging from minor injuries to nasal blockages, the universal salve did its job, often referred to as a miracle until its effectiveness was questioned.

These sensory experiences, while sometimes unpleasant—like the overpowering smell of thirdhand smoke during exams or the potent AD ointment—become integral to the memories of schooldays, serving as a tangible link to a specific time in one's life.

Sign off: Jigyasa Singhal