As a high school senior, one would think juggling college applications, numerous extracurriculars, and AP classes is the most stressful part of my day. But no, it’s finding a parking spot.
Like most teenagers, I was thrilled when I received my driver’s license: I could finally drive myself to and from school. Unfortunately, that excitement quickly faded when I realized how difficult it was getting in and out of campus each day.
The root of the problem lies in the lack of parking near the front of campus. Currently, the best option is along Carolan Avenue, between the train tracks and the school. While convenient if you arrive early, spots are limited, and the majority of students who drive to school are forced to park elsewhere.
If it’s difficult for students with first periods to find a good spot, those without a first period have virtually no chances of parking on Carolan.
The lack of parking poses several issues. First, students must arrive very early to secure a parking spot. By 8:15 a.m. — well before the first bell — many are already spending time searching for alternative parking since Carolan is full. Often, they turn to residential areas, but those streets are just as crowded and have similar spacing issues. If they do find a spot there, they must then walk back to the school, which they were forced to drive away from in the first place. Frankly, this year’s stricter tardy policy adds unnecessary stress: students with 12 tardies or absences in a month are barred from all extracurricular activities, including sports. All in all, students should not be punished for the shortage of parking near the school.
Secondly, limited parking space causes traffic and congestion, which can be dangerous for new drivers. The Zebra, a company that specializes in insurance, polled 1,000 people and found that 49% are afraid of parallel parking. Unlike pulling into a regular spot, parallel parking requires a lot more skill and experience, and it can be even harder if you have to maneuver around the parents dropping off their kids. Parallel parking also takes more time, as students must carefully adjust their cars to fit in the spot safely. This extra time can cause backups on Carolan, all of which could be avoided if students had a dedicated space to park. With high pedestrian and car traffic in the morning, this situation can be both incredibly stressful and potentially dangerous.
When leaving school, students encounter a whole new set of challenges. Once the final bell rings, they rush out of class to avoid being stuck in a never-ending line to exit campus. However, many are met with parents picking up their kids on Carolan, who opt to wait on the street rather than pulling through the roundabout. As a result, students must patiently wait or attempt to maneuver around these cars on their way out of school, which can completely block traffic and create a stoppage on Carolan.
In my opinion, parking would be simpler for everyone if there were allocated lots on campus for students. I understand it’s impossible to accommodate everybody, but even reserving certain spots for seniors would make Carolan less crowded and reduce backups when school ends. Overall, the parking situation should be improved to better meet students’ needs and make driving to school a more convenient and safe endeavor.
