The Betty Belts flower is an iconic symbol of a Ventura local teenager, as shown on the cars throughout the parking lot. “I love [my Betty Belts sticker] because it’s a trendy and local thing,” senior Mia Martinez said. It serves as a reminder of her hometown and her friends who share a common love for the store’s jewelry and ocean-inspired designs.

Students can get territorial over parking spots, especially after the trauma of fighting for space during construction. Senior Santiago Lee-Baez emphasizes the lack of space since the rows of solar panels were built. “I have definitely noticed a difference in the space [of the parking lot],” Lee-Baez said. “It’s very narrow now, and large cars who park towards the top can block others from being able to drive through.” Many, including Lee-Baez, have developed the strategy to get to school before the spots fill up. “I get [to school] thirty-minutes in advance,” Lee-Baez said. “It’s so annoying when people take my spot.” The combination of large trucks, pedestrians, and small spaces can be problematic, however, an advantage of the solar panels is the shade provided. This allows students to study and hang out in cars without having to drain the battery on air conditioning or accepting heatstroke.

Students leaving notes and drawings in the dust on their friends cars. You never know what you’ll find on the hood of your car after school gets out. “I find all kinds of things [on the windows of my car,” senior Chase Strople said. “It’s a new experience every day.” What started out as just a joke with friends has turned into a daily moment of curiosity and amusement that “[surprises]” Strople as he can’t say who the culprits really are anymore.

Students hanging out in the back of pick-up trucks between classes, sharing food and studying together. “During my gap, I spend a lot of time in my truck,” senior Benjamin Everard said. “I usually leave to get food and study in the back of the truck. It’s a great place to study and relax between classes.” Truck culture has become essential in the student parking lot, though it’s important to be cautious of large vehicles whipping around corners. Senior Chase Dykeman said he feels “threatened” after “almost being hit” by fast-moving cars, specifically trucks. “I don’t like walking in [the student parking lot],” Dykeman said. “It’s become very congested and scary for pedestrians.” Teenagers in cars give opportunities for fun and reminders of the responsibility we begin to take on as we grow up in school. As a senior and owner of a truck, Susan Hooper said that despite the “far walk” she does spend a lot of time “[hanging out]” there under the “nice shade”. Many mornings, water polo girls, such as Hooper, rise out of the pool with the sun, running to get ready in their cars before class starts.

Students decorate their windows with art to celebrate their graduating class year. A huge part of the high school experience is learning how to express yourself, and with upcoming changes and accomplishments with graduation, pride and excitement can be expressed through what you’ll drive off in after your final day of class at Buena high. Empty cars lined up in each row showcase the energy and hobbies of each driver while they’re in class, with bumper stickers, art, and air-fresheners correlating to each individual.