Opinion 1 : Parking issue sparks debate

It is 9:49 in the morning and I'm looking for a water bottle and Pop Tart. I grab them, and then head out the door to drive to my first class of the day.

Arriving, I didn't know I'd have to leave two hours early in order to just park on campus.

Parking has progressively gotten worse in my four years at Ottawa University and without any real evidence of solutions, I've come up with a few of my own.

Many institutions see it fit to not grant freshmen parking permits. This could be a solution as the incoming freshmen are required to live on campus already.

What better way to build camaraderie amongst a class and therefore the institution?

With little to no transportation, the first-year students would have to create bonds in the dorms, commons or union.

Another option is to have designated parking areas.

I understand we all pay the same tuition and should therefore be granted the same rights.

However, I have been around and believe upper classmen should be given a sort of respect from the younger students.

As a senior, it is my goal to arrive on campus, go to class, get the grade and graduate. I don't need to socialize on my way to class or sit in a parking lot and chat.

I've got goals that are hindered by people in my way.

With designated parking, I'll always know there's a spot for me to come do what I need to do on campus without having to climb hills, jump fences or play bumper student on the stairs of the Administration Building.

A last resolution would be to build or make room for more parking. If the university is growing, then changes should be made to keep fit.

Recognizing these problems, I believe steps have been made toward improvement.

Now outfitted with parking permits, OU can see what cars belong on campus and those who have appropriated priorities in getting the pass.

Traffic is a tricky thing. When you expect respect, it must be given first.

Without a quick easy fix for our parking problems in sight, the entire university will have to negotiate the rules of the road: stick to the right, don't block traffic and don't take up more than your share of parking space.

Or expect some major road rage.

Check out the opposing opinion HERE.