Savannah,
It sounds like your dream reflects a mixture of past experiences and present concerns. The blend of your middle and high school settings could indicate a period of transition or a feeling of being caught between stages in life, especially as you're navigating the young adult years. Nighttime in dreams often symbolizes uncertainty or the unknown, which might be related to how you're feeling about the future or the steps you're taking in your personal growth or education.
The crowded parking lot, despite it being night, could suggest that even in times where you expect calm or clarity, you find yourself surrounded by complications or too many choices. This could be a metaphor for your social life, your decisions post-high school, or the 'traffic' of thoughts and worries that occupy your mind even when you feel it should be a quieter time.
Having a man walk beside you that creeps you out a bit might point to a sense of vulnerability or intrusion in your personal space. This could relate to feelings of being watched or judged by others. The staff member who shames you for opening the wrong locker represents a fear of making mistakes and being criticized for them, which is a common concern at this stage of life where expectations—both personal and from others—are high.
Your confession about poor vision to the teacher followed by their help suggests that you might feel that admitting vulnerabilities or shortcomings can lead to support and resolution. The difficulty in finding your car amid the crowded space and the blurriness of your vision until the dream ends could be pointing to feelings of being overwhelmed when trying to navigate complex situations in your waking life. It might symbolize the challenge of finding your own path or identity amidst the 'crowded' influences and expectations of those around you.
Remember, Savannah, dreams often weave together our memories, fears, and hopes. While they can feel puzzling, they are a canvas where your subconscious paints the emotions and challenges you might be processing. At 17, standing on the cusp of adulthood, it's natural for your dreams to play out scenarios where you confront and ultimately overcome the anxieties and obstacles that you face.