Driving to school is a well-loved feature of High School. It gives students new freedoms and control over their busy days. Being able to arrive on their own timing and have the personal space of their own vehicle, gives students new levels of independence. Although the ability to drive to and from school is deeply appreciated, some of the policies are debated.
Senior, Londyn Brown, drives and parks at the school every day. She was able to use her senior privileges to get the best spot for her.
“My spot is perfect for my daily schedule. I was able to choose before any other grade and be really selective. In the mornings my spot is really close to the entrance doors and when I leave early during 5th block in the afternoons, I never have trouble getting out of the parking lot.”
On the contrary, Junior, Evelyn Jessop, shares differing thoughts on the policies on parking at school. She has driven to school both Sophomore and Junior year at CHS. Her spot is much further from the school, and she explains her frustration.
“I don’t like my parking spot currently. It is in the very back of the turf lot right by all the sport practice areas. I assumed that being a Junior would help me get a closer spot because of seniority, but I know sophomores who park closer. Both years I have had bad spots that were extremely far away from the door.”
Even if the location of a spot isn’t ideal, plenty of students find other positives attributed to parking policies. Many students’ favorite benefit of assigned parking is having the ability to park next to friends. Londyn, who got a spot next to her friends, describes this feature giving her something to look forward to at school.
“I love that I get to park by and see my friends every morning before school, it gives me a chance to catch up with them since I don’t get to see them throughout the school day.”
Unfortunately, not everyone can end up next to who they want. Due to this, the school has seen occasional problems of people using other’s spots. Whether it’s because they don’t have a spot or just want a different one, it negatively affects other student drivers. Evelyn depicts the inconvenience of her spot getting taken.
“My spot has gotten taken multiple times and because of assigned spots, I then have to drive all the way to the front. This is frustrating because there are plenty of empty spots around yet because mine is taken, I have to go to the front.”
Many students have noted that a lot of the closer spots are often empty. Whether its students skipping or out sick, high schoolers wish they could temporarily use these spots to save them a walk. Evelyn further depicts the unpracticality of not being able to use vacated spots.
“Even when it is pouring rain and there are empty spots right next to the building from absent students, I still have to park a mile away and walk in the rain.”
While this argument resonates with many, those others who never have to worry about not finding a spot disagree. Londyn describes her favorite benefit of designated parking.
“When I’m running late to school, I have the assurance that I will always have a close spot. I never lose track of my car and always know exactly how long it will take me to walk inside.”
Whether the policies align with students’ conveniences or not, each driver appreciates the ability to park on campus.
