TO THE EDITOR:

    As an instructor at Iowa State University, I see many people who are looking for knowledge in computer science or engineering, but they don't know about the balance of life. Many people don't realize how important a physical education in K-12 and college is in teaching people this balance. I teach my students about balance in a human life; I am pleased to find that the students who already have these skills have learned them in P.E. classes or other athletic activities.
    We need to teach children what is right and wrong at an early age. As you all know, a strong and healthy body is a perfect ground for a strong and healthy mind. Today, many people are talking about lowering the budget. Cutting most of the education funds, leaving money only for engineering and computer science, may be in accordance with popular demands, but this move causes an imbalance in life for our future children and students.
    I am very much against the idea of dropping the physical education program. Over the past 200 years physical activity has had wonderful results. It has provided role models for many young children of all ages that they can be successful if they work hard. This work ethic helps people learn to balance their lives. Lately schools teach only about adding, subtracting, and computers;  but they teach very little about discipline. Physical education teaches cooperation and respect for other people.
    When people think about the problems in our schools, they think about drugs, alcohol, and teenage pregnancy. Physical education programs are a great help in fighting these problems. Physical education teaches courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit -- qualities that can help children (and adults) make the decision to avoid drugs, alcohol, and teenage pregnancy.
    Please think about ways to educate our future American leaders and keep physical education as part of the curriculum. Physical education provides the necessary social and physical skills necessary for students -- our future leaders -- to develop balance in their lives.

Yong Chin Pak, Instructor
Department of Health and Human Performance
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
U.S.A.