Junior finds study spot in boys’ locker room

Shunning traditional places to study such as the library and classrooms, junior Kevin Jin has found a spot that few would associate with academic intensity: the boys’ locker room.

A mostly gray space with endless rows of blue lockers and red benches, it offers little cause for distraction. Also located nearby are restrooms and a drinking fountain — both convenient features.

Jin, who played No. 3 doubles on the tennis team last year, also likes to keep his tennis gear in the lockers. “During the season, it’s really convenient just to finish my homework, grab my gear, get a sip of water and go to practice,” he said.

Not surprisingly, during lunch, tutorial and after school, most people who enter only stay a minute or two. This leaves him with a lot of peace and quiet during which he can be productive.

Jin said he once tried to bring his friends in to study along with him, but they were warded off by the sweat-tinged odors. He doesn’t have this problem.

“Honestly, I can’t even tell if there is a smell,” Jin said. “I guess the air is a bit stuffy but I can live with that. Also, it’s surprisingly cool in here, so I like that a lot too.”

He also mentioned that while some people may enjoy working at a desk and chair, he is comfortable squatting and using the benches to do schoolwork on.

The one downside occurs any time a occasional large group enters the locker room, creating a large echo. That’s why, he said, the space only works well for studying when there are few people in the room.

“The more people to use this place to study, the less effective it becomes,” Jin said. “I would recommend this spot for someone who wants a quiet place to study, but only after I graduate.”