Betsy Wait

Freshman Chris Bass prepares to board his afternoon bus for a 40 minute trip to his home in St. Louis city.

Sub-freezing temperatures, icy roads, traffic jams and waiting in the dark are all daily struggles that stand in the way of receiving an education for the 78 voluntary student transfers (VST).

“It’s crazy, when I wait for the bus the temperature is usually at least in the 20’s and it’s always dark. I have a little brother and sister, so I have to wait for their bus to come as well as my own,” junior Carl Matthews said. “It’s like 20 minutes of waiting, and I’ve learned that every minute counts when you are out in the cold.”

In addition to the bitter cold, another concern for VST students that arises during the winter is dangerous road conditions.

“I remember one time on the way to school there was a huge accident on the highway, and we had to sit in a traffic jam for two hours. The roads were really icy and slippery! It was frustrating because I came to school super late,” freshman Chris Bass said.

However, because VST students’ homes are located a significant distance away from school, the consequences for missing the bus are problematic.

“On the last late start day, I guess because it was so cold, the busses decided to come early. Because of that, I missed the bus and I didn’t have another way to get to school since my mom had to go to work,” freshman Gabby Thompson said.

Despite the transportation difficulties, VST students still choose to continue receiving their public education.

“The schools in the city aren’t the safest, best schools around. If you are comparing West to schools in the city, our school is like a private school,” junior Carl Matthews said. “Schools in the city have metal detectors at the front door when you walk in… which pretty much speaks for itself.”

Sophomore Imari Pollard-McCabe also recognizes the opportunities available to her.

“I came from Riverview Gardens where the curriculum was at a really low level. Basically, I was just learning the same things over and over again,” Pollard-McCabe said. “I love being at West now because I have so many more opportunities available to me that can help me get into a good college. I’m hoping that I can go to Oregon, Auburn or Alabama so I can major in either Nursing or Sports Therapy.”