Commuters of Georgia College

Driving to campus has quickly proven to be a difficult and frustrating endeavor for many students commuting to Georgia College.

Facing the challenge of finding a parking spot and making it to class on time is common concern among commuters.

“I think I spend as much money (on gas) getting to campus as I do looking for a parking spot,” said Michael Clanahan, who is working toward his master’s in public administration.

Clanahan commutes from his home located near the Milledgeville airport. He estimates that it takes 15 to 20 minutes, including traffic, to commute to campus.

“I normally come here in the middle of the day and will be here four to five hours,” Clanahan said. “The worst part is driving around looking for a parking space. You only have a certain time of the day you know you will find a parking spot.”

Clanahan graduated from GC in 2011 with an undergraduate degree in business management. While working toward his undergraduate degree, Clanahan lived in The Village and in The Bellamy.

“I miss being able to walk to class,” Clanahan said. “I plan on moving closer to campus. If not next semester, then summer or fall of next year.”

As a member of the cheerleading team, Clanahan not only commutes to class, but to practice as well.

Clanahan’s commute looks like a short drive compared to the hour and 45 minute commute of Marvin Guelce, who is working on his MBA in healthcare management. Guelce commutes from Atlanta to Milledgeville once a week.

“I work at a corporate Banana Republic in Atlanta,” Guelce said. “I commute so I can keep my job and not have to worry about paying rent in Milledgeville.”

Guelce usually doesn’t face parking issues when he commutes from Atlanta to Milledgeville because he is able to stay at a friend’s place and walk to class from there.

Like Clanahan, Guelce also received his undergraduate degree from GC. Guelce expressed his thoughts about the effects of commuting on his social life.

“I feel a little detached from campus life,” Guelce said. “I feel like it’s strictly a student relationship now. Most of my friends still live in Milledgeville, I miss the social life.”

Although Guelce is busy balancing school and work, he still manages to find time to stay involved by playing on the intramural flag football team.

Some feel parking is the biggest issue commuters face.

“The parking is the worst part about commuting,” said Meri Phillips, a senior psychology major who commutes from Macon.

“I’ve gotten three tickets in the last week,” Phillips said. “I’ll leave early to get to school and there will be no commuter spots available. I’ll park in a two hour parking spot, but I have back to back classes so I can’t move my car.”

Posted by Katie LeVan on Oct 6 2011. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.