Cruzin and Snoozin

by Julia Cicatko and Kaylee Hatton

Snoozin on the Bus

Massanutten Regional Governor's School is predominantly an environmental science and math based school. There is a challenging curriculum, where highly motivated students from surrounding schools can grow and test their knowledge. At MRGS these students will have the opportunity to interact with the environment and participate in group activities with other students who share a passion for learning. However, MRGS starts at 7:45, and for most students the school is around 45 minutes away.

One of the biggest hesitations I (Kaylee) first had about going to gov school was the early mornings. Regardless of the fact that I am NOT a morning person I still decided to go, and I am so glad I did! Honestly getting up an hour earlier didn’t feel any different than waking up for a regular school day. Especially when I gained back that sleep on the bus ride. The commute to school soon became my favorite part of the day. It was my “built in break,” where I could do homework, sleep, or talk to my friends. The students on my bus became fast friends, and we bonded over how Bodie (a Gov School student from Spotswood) would take pictures of anyone who fell asleep. I didn’t know a bus ride could bring people so close together, but the memories made there will definitely be some of my high school favorites.

Cruzin in the Car

The bus isn’t the only commuting option for MRGS students. For those who are willing to spend gas money and risk the questionable short interstate on-ramp, driving is also a fun option. While taking the bus is fun, I prefer driving when I have the opportunity. Since the bus takes an indirect route to pick up students, driving takes considerably less time. As someone who values sleep and strives to get as much as possible, the 25 minute difference is well worth the 30 minute drive. The drive itself is fairly easy from where I live, and is basically 30 miles of interstate driving. Driving in the morning is especially scenic. 

Q- “Do you like driving to Gov. School? Why?”

Asher Ryan- “I like driving to Gov. School. It’s fun, and I can listen to my own music.”

Josh Uribe- “I like driving to Gov School. It’s cool because I can speed.”

Carpooling with friends is another fun aspect of driving. We have about an hour and a half until our next class (Harrisonburg specifically) most of which is spent traveling back to our home school. Since the drive is only 25 minutes on a good day, we often have time to get food or coffee before going back to school. I’ve spent an outrageous amount of money at Starbucks on these carpooling days alone, but it’s worth it. Plus, if the school food is terrible and you forgot to pack something, this is a great time to buy something for lunch. Carpooling with friends from Gov. School is a great way to get to know one another and practice your driving skills!