Ever since Blue Valley has adopted its new “free parking” policy, much of the parking chaos has subsided for the early-birds and particularly for the seniors, who have assigned spots just for themselves.

For others, though, it has been quite the opposite, especially with the threat of the dreaded golden parking ticket.

Recently, I arrived late to school on a Thursday. I parked in a staff spot by mistake that was conveniently one of the few in a row of student spots in the “free parking” lot. I didn’t think anything of it until I walked out to my car to find the $25 ticket staring back up at me.

Don’t get me wrong, I take full responsibility for parking in the wrong spot, but I would have appreciated a friendly warning before being forced to pay or have my parking permit taken away for next year.

I know I am not the only one who this has happened to — many others have experienced the troubles of this also. It’s just like getting a regular ticket — it leaves an unhappy mark on your day and adds to the list of things you have to get done. Something as small as this gets added into the large pile of the more important things you have to stress over.

I understand the school’s parking policy even better now. Thankfully, the parking ticket stated that very clearly. I completely understand why these policies are in place for us and how rules need to be followed.

However, I wish BV could understand that we are all human and make mistakes, whether it be in school, sports or life. We could all use some grace once in awhile because life moves too fast to be perfect all of the time.  

We all make mistakes, but you shouldn’t have to pay for them — literally.