NC’s Magnet students live all over the county and can spend up to an hour and a half on the bus ride to and from the school. The students commit to the program expecting an increased workload, but do not realize the full extent of the challenge involving the distance between home and the school.

“I knew that being out of district would make it hard to attend every event, “ Magnet sophomore Mayah Bourne said.

Bourne involves herself with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Tribal Connections, Change for Change, and the Girls Varsity Soccer team, making transportation to every meeting and practice an obstacle. With a schedule as busy as Bourne’s, living 45 minutes away from NC poses as a major inconvenience.

Due to NC administration’s mandate that Magnet students become involved in the school, Magnet coordinators require each student to participate in at least two extracurricular activities. Although students appreciate this challenge when college application season rolls around, it poses a complication for those that live outside of the NC realm. This requirement causes students to sign up for clubs and activities, and when they cannot attend, creates concern for the clubs.

“I feel like the requirement is inconsiderate to those of us who can’t make the commute. I rely on the bus as my transportation,” Magnet sophomore Abigail Addis said.

Students understand that living far from the school includes downfalls, but NC must make improvements to encourage students to participate in extracurriculars. The Magnet program could provide a “late bus” to escort students home two hours after school ends, reduce the requirement to just one extracurricular, or set up a framework to help organize carpooling. Although clubs have began to offer morning meetings, students, especially underclassmen, still find difficulty becoming involved with their own school.

“I would prefer the coordinators talk to these kids individually to find what works best for them,” Addis said.

Throughout NC’s 12 years of the International Studies Magnet Program, current students hope that administration considers these revisions. With changes, future students will participate in more clubs and activities, due to accessibility of transportation, and create a smooth, fulfilling high school experience.