When I first got to high school I was extremely excited. Excited for being one step closer to actually getting my license and a car for myself. I remember seeing the juniors and seniors at that time and being jealous that they were already driving and had their own cars. I also remembered after football practice, waiting outside the athletics entrance and seeing the seniors and juniors getting in their cars and driving themselves home while my friends and I waited for rides from our parents.

February during my sophomore year, I turned 16 and my mom and I went to the DMV so I could go get my learner’s permit. I passed the first time and I beamed with happiness, my smile shined so bright it glowed. The summer leading up to my junior year, I took driver’s education. I quickly realized that driving was not fun and games, it requires attention and focus to be able to reach the expectation of your supervisor. I learned how you have to be extra responsible now because you have to be conscious of your surroundings and care for your safety as well as the safety of others on the road. I watched a few videos in driver’s education that showed what can happen if you’re not responsible and that put things into perspective.

When school started I did my driving hours. When that was over, I had to take the road test to get my driver’s license. On the day of the road test I was nervous, but when I actually did it and passed, I felt like I had a big weight lifted off my shoulders. The week after that, my dad came home and surprised me with my car. I stood there staring at it as it stared back at me. It’s a black 2001 Honda Accord. I opened the car and sat in the driver's seats. My dad told me, “take it out for a spin and see if you like it”, and I responded, “Of course I will.” I drove my new wheels to my aunt and uncle’s house. They were proud of me for being able to get my license and the car.
Having my car now after a couple of months makes me feel grown up. I now have to do things that I didn’t have to do before like putting in gas, maintaining it, and picking up my little brother from school. My car has made me a more responsible person which makes my parents proud and they trust me even more. Now I am more free to do the things I like since I don’t have to rely on someone for a ride. I can drive myself to school, I can go to the movies when I want, I can hangout with friends, and I can go to amusement parks if I want.

I feel like I am a better person for having my car. Having a car forced me to grow up and be more mature. My car is something that will always be a symbol of maturity and responsibility to me.