Many students at the Academy of the Holy Names start their school day behind the wheel. Whether it’s a short five minute drive or a longer commute across Tampa, driving to school is a big part of many girls’ daily routine.
For some students, the drive is quick and easy giving them time to sleep in or even stop for coffee. But for the others that live far away, commuting can either take 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Simply 10 minutes late from leaving their house can push them back and lead them to being late to school.
Senior Mischa Martin (‘26) said “I live seven minutes away from school in Hyde Park. It’s so convenient, I get to leave my house at 7:20 and then I like to car-rot when I get to school. I like to get coffee as well in the morning.”
Even though the long drive can be very tiring, many girls use that time to listen to music, catch up on podcasts, or mentally prepare for a school day.
Annabelle Bennett (‘26) said “I live 40 minutes away all the way in Lutz. However, on a late start the drive takes me about an hour and a half. 275 highway is no joke. During my drive I like to listen to my rap playlist to stay awake because I do feel very tired. I love AHN so this drive means nothing when the school means everything.”
Some students also take advantage of carpooling with friends or siblings to make the ride more enjoyable. Sharing the drive can help make the time feel less.They find it more fun to talk and jam out to music together. Others find the time in their car to be their only quiet moment before school and their busy schedules like sports and after school activities.
Liana Fernandez (‘28) said “I enjoy carpooling to school with my friend Sara-Beth because it’s a fun way to start off my morning and makes the hour car ride go by faster. My parents both work at an office, so it takes some stress off their plates knowing that I have a ride to school.”
The ones that travel long distances to AHN, here are some tips to make the ride smoother. Leave early, to avoid last minute traffic jams. Make a good playlist, to keep dries upbeat and to keep you awake. Pack your bag and lunchbox the night before, so your mornings feel less rushed. Stay off your phone, safety comes first and you need to get to school safely.
Whether near or far, each student’s journey is a part of their daily experience. No matter the length of the drive, AHN is what truly matters. The road to success starts in the driver’s seat.
