Just down the road: the commuter's lifestyle

To the students who live on campus, getting to class is just crossing the lawn, but to a commuter, every day can become a headache due to complicated logistics.

Every morning commuting students hunt for a parking space in The Q parking lot. Photo credit: Kyla Ann Faircloth

Every year, Palm Beach Atlantic University students tackle the challenge of commuting. Students race against the clock to make it to class on time. They live under the constant threat of tardiness due to car trouble, limited on-campus parking and the infamous traffic on I-95 and the Turnpike.

Parking lots including the Intramural Field, The Q, Memorial Presbyterian Church West, Memorial Presbyterian Church North, Chadbourne, Family Church East, and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church are designated for commuters and employees, but they lack the proper space for the number of commuters on PBA's campus. The construction of the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall reduced the amount of parking spaces, which added to the parking issue.

Yanel Quinteros, a junior at PBA, is driven by her parents to campus every week from Port St. Lucie, FL, located an hour away. Early morning traffic has her commute over an hour. The bright side to Quinteros’ morning is not having to battle other cars for parking.

“I lived on campus my first semester as a freshman. It was just easier; I did not have to get stuck in traffic every time I drove into the PBA area. Living on campus is the best option, but it is expensive,” said Quinteros.

Along with the downsides of a commuter, come some surprising bonuses. As Kayla Camplin, a commuting sophomore, explains she is beyond grateful she gets to go home to her family every night.

“Being a commuter is great because I get to go back home at the end of the day. I love that I am able to have the flexibility of going to and from campus,” said Camplin.

While most commuters enjoy the benefits of living at home and spending time with their families, they also must manage the troubles with campus parking every day.

By Kyla Ann Faircloth