EDITORIAL, Oct. 16, 2008
It seems that many IVCC students are not taking the mantra, “Good things in life come to those who wait,” into careful consideration as there seems to be a lot of complaining going around because of the new student parking lot construction.
True, it’s a bit more crowded in the main parking lots because of the closed East Campus lot. And true, some of us have to park farther away from the building than we’ve ever had to before because of it. But, honestly, isn’t all the complaining just a tad overdramatic?
Let’s get this straight: Close parking is not an inalienable right. A perk? Sure. But not everything in life carries perks and it’s about time to get used to it.
And even so, it needs to be understood that in general the parking situation here at IVCC is pretty good: no student parking permit fees and a guaranteed space at any time of the day, even if it is far away. There is never a chance that you could arrive to campus and not find an empty spot anywhere and miss a class that you are paying good money for.
Wouldn’t you rather have to walk a little farther for this academic year to get a new parking lot instead of paying $100 a year for a permit that doesn’t necessarily guarantee a spot? Because if you plan on transferring to a four-year university with a vehicle, it’s time to get used to high permit fees, fighting to find parking and trying to navigate designated lots in the labyrinths of university campuses.
It all comes down to time management and laziness.
If you find yourself running late and decide to park in an undesignated area because it’s closer, don’t be upset when you get a warning or get towed — give yourself some extra time in the morning. Because either way, it’s your choice to park there; it’s your fault that you’ve been sacked with a towing fee.
You can’t blame anyone else for your failure to follow basic parking lots rules.
And so what if we have to walk a little farther to class — it won’t hurt us. Most of us could use the extra walking. So, it’s time to get used to it as the construction will continue on until June 2009. And remember to hunker down with gloves, scarves and heavy coats: Winter is on its’ way!
Happy walking!