Schools like NYU and UChicago have one thing in common: an open campus integrated within the city. When it comes to deciding what colleges some students want to attend, an open campus is something they deeply consider. Hailey Zhang, a CA senior, says, “In my college decision process, I really hope for a more urban and integrated college.” An open campus means integrating within your environment to learn and grow from it. In a way, Cary Academy once had that same feel, integrating its campus with the beautiful Apple Tree Lane trail and road, SAS campus, and Harrison Avenue. However, with the new gate system, the campus literally and figuratively closes itself from its community.

One of the biggest issues students face from the gate is the traffic. Students are congested and holding up sidewalks and entrances in the limited,  5-minute window to get to class. Now that the walk to the CMS front door has been shut off by the new gates, students have to travel to the side entrance of the CMS: a narrow hall, barely bigger than its double doors. “I fully understand the importance of the gates, but I wish there was more than one entrance to the CMS because traffic is really congested right now,” says Anna Benjamin.

Even with all its flaws, these heated gate discussions all come to a close with the final blow: safety. The most important reason we have these gates is to protect our community and ensure its safety. Brooke Murgitroyd, a  senior, says, “I appreciate the school’s concern for the safety of our students. It does not impose on my day to day life much. I think it is only the first step of many to protect our students.” While these gates may seem like the administration is trapping its students behind metal bars, the truth is that staying safe in schools has become harder. With this new gate system, parents and students can take it easy knowing their children and friends are safe and sound.

In fact, the gates can be a source of fun amidst times of stress. Elizabeth Rayas, a junior, exclaimed, “Me and my friends named the gates. Between the US and CMS is West, near the library is East and down to the track is South. These fun, random names make walking to stressful classes a little bit easier!”