Hours of dedication, hard work and creativity have gone into UC High’s new senior parking spaces. High school campuses throughout the nation participate in the tradition of allowing seniors to paint their own personal parking spaces. The significance of these parking spaces not only brings lots of convenience to seniors, but goes beyond the comfort of parking closer to one’s classes or friends. These designated parking spaces on campus signify a blend of recognition and respect to the seniors’ class status. The senior parking spots should be upheld as more than a parking privilege but something to be cherished and respected, creating a thoughtful environment around this new tradition.

   According to the Cambridge Dictionary, respect refers to a type of admiration felt or shown for someone or something that is shown through their qualities, abilities or achievements (dictionary.cambridge.org). Even though these senior parking spaces are just merely painted rectangles on the asphalt, they are  symbols of students’ academic journeys. Students’ accomplishments as they embark on their last year of high school are being represented, not to mention each spot is paid for out of pocket.

    Recently, students have been parking in other’s spots. Since there is ample parking in the UC parking lot, there is no need for these spaces to be taken. Furthermore, some students have actually vandalized other students’ artwork, which is not only disrespectful, but heartbreaking for the seniors who created them. 

   Senior Lina Qousar said, “These parking spots allow people to be creative and paint something that represents themselves. It sucks when someone parks in our spots that we worked hard for.” By following the social expectation, it becomes more exciting for underclassmen, knowing that in the future they too will have the opportunity to create a space of their own. Respecting the senior parking spaces creates a lesson in acknowledging and honoring hard work, which is a skill that transcends beyond the school setting and can become an essential part of one’s character. 

   Showing respect for the Senior Class’ parking spaces is not just about where their cars are parked, it’s a way to honor the students and create a sense of togetherness in the school community. It helps teach responsibility and overall good manners, while also making the school a more positive place for everyone. Respecting the parking spots may seem like something small, but it speaks volumes about recognizing effort, as well as being a good Centurion. This basic gesture helps make the school a better place.