‘The Hunger Games’: UHCL Parking Arena
I will be the first to admit that I hate working out, but I know it’s a necessity in life. Everyone has his or her own special routine. My workout routine consists of me walking to and from my car in the UHCL parking lot.
The clock strikes 3 p.m., and I am already in my car headed to UHCL for my 4 p.m. class. Living 30 minutes from campus encourages me to leave my house early, but the extra half-hour is to find a parking space on campus.
Life was easier a year ago. Finding a parking spot could happen efficiently and, if lucky, almost instantly. I long for the days where I could find a parking spot in the front row. Recently, UHCL transitioned from a two-year university to a four-year university. Even with the additional students and faculty, no new parking was added for students. During peak class hours, like 4-7 p.m., the UHCL parking lot turns into The Hunger Games: only one will win.
Similar to the Panem tributes, I have extensive training in a certain skill: stalking. If I were to do the amount of stalking I do in the UHCL parking lot in the Arena, I could probably be named the victor. Following students in the parking lot in my car is the most efficient way to find a vacant spot.
Currently, there are plans for a new Science/Technology/Engineering/Math building on campus. The building is expected to be finished by 2018, and will be located on the other side of the Student Services and Classroom Building. I have not seen official blueprints for the new building, but I am hoping that the construction plans include a new parking lot with a new access road to match.
Until then, I have to take matters into my own hands. The Student Government Association has a raffle every semester for one student to receive a parking spot smack dab in the front of the lot. This year the drawing is taking place on Sept. 22 in the Garden Room at 11:30 a.m. My piggy bank may meet its demise soon as I feel like I should use every penny I own to ensure my name gets entered multiple times and if that plan does not work, I can always volunteer as tribute. Regardless, I will be standing there with all other candidates and may the odds be ever in your favor.
