By SAM VERMA, sophomore

We’ve all been there. Talking to your friends in the hallway seemed like a good idea at the time. After all, what harm could a few seconds possibly cause? As you walk through the halls, you notice the crowds begin to dissipate. You start to wonder how long it has been since the first bell rang. Your pulse quickens, as walking becomes jogging, and jogging transforms into full-on sprinting. You turn the corner, and you let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. The door to your next class is still wide open, when suddenly, that heart-wrenching noise echoes through the halls. Your heart sinks once again. Late.

While going to the gymnasium directly from lunch is an easy feat to accomplish, some classes are located so far away it feels like even Usain Bolt would have a hard time getting to class on time. Luckily, I’ve devised a highly scientific test to see if five minutes really is enough time to get to our classes.

MYTH: FIVE MINUTES IS ENOUGH TIME TO GET TO OUR CLASSES.

As you are fast asleep in your base located in Room A1, you are greeted by a tall man.

“Wake up soldier, your help is needed. The opposing faction has stolen the blueprints for our top secret project. Infiltrate the enemy base located in Room 153 within 5 minutes. If you fail to do so, the alarms will go off and you will be captured.”

MISSION: OPERATION NORMALITATIS

After receiving this news, you quickly scurry to the enemy base. The day is just like any other, filled with soldiers roaming around the battlefield. You arrive at Room 153 unscathed and on time.

• Number of Steps Taken: 488
• Speed: 0.61 seconds per step

• Time to Arrive to Class: 4 minutes, 58.42 seconds

• STATUS: SUCCESSFUL

Of course, not every day at J.P. Stevens is normal. There are multiple factors that can alter the time it takes for you to get to your next class. Here are a few alternate scenarios that are fairly common occurrences:

MISSION: OPERATION BARRICADE

As you are on your way to the enemy base, you notice fellow soldiers also on the same mission. Except, something looks differe –NO WAY! IS THAT MIKE FROM COLLEGE?! Disregarding the mission, you decide to catch up with your former roommate.

• Number of Steps Taken: 488
• Speed: 0.996 seconds per step (63.28 % slower)

• Time to Arrive to Class: 8 minutes, 6 seconds

• STATUS: FAILED

As teenagers, it’s normal for us to talk to friends about last night’s Superbowl or the latest scandalous story about Miley Cyrus. But keep in mind that talking to friends can be the difference between arriving to class on time and being the victim of a sweep.

MISSION: OPERATION PLUNDER

As you are ready to enter the enemy base, you realize you’re running low on equipment! You decide to take a detour to your supplier.

• Number of Steps Taken: 506
• Speed: 0.61 seconds per step

• Time to Arrive to Class: 5 minutes, 43 seconds (34 seconds spent at the locker)

• STATUS: FAILED

Unless you want to be carrying the Leaning Tower of Pisa, going to your locker is a necessity. At the same time, this process can easily eliminate a whole minute of your passing time, so make sure to go to your locker during appropriate times.

MISSION: OPERATION DESPERADO

Everything seems normal, until your walkie-talkie starts beeping. “SOLDIER, THIS IS A CODE RED! I REPEAT, CODE RED! ARRIVE TO YOUR DESTINATION, THE ALARMS ARE EXPECTED TO GO OFF SOONER THAN EXPECTED!”

• Number of Steps Taken: 488
• Speed: 0.428 seconds per step (29.84 % faster)

• Time to Arrive to Class: 3 minutes, 29 seconds

• STATUS: SUCCESSFUL

There are a number of factors that can trigger adrenaline to rush through your body. Realized you forgot to do your math homework? Just remembered there’s a history test next period? Accidentally went to your study hall room when it’s actually lab day? These situations cause you to move like you’ve never moved before, although you’re more susceptible to accidents while frantically moving through the hallways.

After maneuvering through hordes of soldiers, you finally reach your destination. Congratulations! You have defeated the enemy and retrieved the blueprint.

In conclusion, 5 minutes is generally enough time to get to our classes. As long as you have an effective route and avoid distractions, being on time shouldn’t be a problem. Still, an extra minute or so isn’t such a bad idea, considering some classes are located on opposite ends of the school.