By Emma Gillett, Features Editor
It’s a ray of sunshine in an otherwise dreary day.
It’s a small taste of freedom during a six-hour confinement.
It’s a fabulous three-in-one combo of snack time, nap time and recess.
It’s a travel period, and it’s guaranteed to win some smiles.
The time used to get from Career Center to Reynolds, or vice versa, is commonly known as a “travel period.” This time could be lengthy, especially if one has a free period included, or it could simply be the 20 minutes allotted for transportation to and from RJR.
“It’s basically just chance,” counselor Amy Williams said. “(The length of a travel period) depends on the student’s courses and when they’re offered.”
Every summer, students wish, pray, barter and beg for a leisurely travel period and its blissful time of relaxation. However, only some receive it. Those who aren’t lucky enough to have a long break sometimes feel a little bitter about the fact.
“I love my 25-minute travel period,” junior David Murray said jokingly. “It gives me the chance to stop somewhere nice for lunch, finish all of my homework assignments and study for my next classes before I have to be at Career Center.”
But for the proud few who do have this luxury built into their day, the options of what to do are virtually endless.
Some people use the time to catch up on homework and study for difficult classes.
“I come to the library and do homework,” junior Kalila Sebille said.
But because the two top priorities of high schoolers are eating and sleeping, the majority of students enjoy grabbing a meal or taking a snooze during their travel period. While Chick-fil-A is always a crowd favorite, Bojangles, Starbucks and Bagel Station are also popular picks.
If you’re looking for the road less traveled, or you’re short on cash, browsing the local grocery store for samples is always a winner. If you want to embrace your Southern roots and raise your risk of a heart attack, check out the KFC right by Career Center. Another easy option is going to a friend’s house to mooch for food. This isn’t always appreciated, but it can lead to delicious finds.
Sleeping is a close second in favorite travel period activities. A nap can be a blessed relief during a busy day of schoolwork. It’s a welcome departure from writing essays or solving math problems. Go home for a nap, nod off in the library or fall asleep on the bleachers outside the Arts Building. Just make sure you’re back in time for class!
If you decide you’re ready for more than just the casual snack or nap, take the opportunity to explore your city. Go stroll around Hanes Park, check out artwork at Reynolda House or do some window shopping downtown.
“If you’re feeling good, seize the day,” junior Daniel Combs said.
If none of these options appeal to you, then take some time to find what does. The real beauty of the travel period is the freedom to choose your activities!