My First Driving Experience

“Sitting in the driver’s seat, sweat trickling down my forehead, my heavy breathing joined with the thundering pounding in my chest,” a feeling all too real, yet one that was necessary to fulfill my growing experience. As you mature, these memorable “First time experiences” come your way leaving permanent foot prints in your life. As for me, the first time learning how to drive was a one time experience that had much more in store for me than had ever anticipated.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and I had woken up in an upbeat mood anxious to start off my day as newly aged sixteen year old. As I am getting up, I see my mom standing in my doorway with a smile stretching miles across her face from ear to ear, “Honey, I believe you are definitely old enough to start your first driving lesson! What do you say?” As if she had deeply offended me I annoyingly reply, “Mom do you know how dangerous it is to drive around the streets filled with crazy drivers ready to cause destruction in every corner they turn in? its a war zone out there!” “Honey, danger is inevitable, and it’s always lurking in anything new you try, but I believe in you sweetie, just give it a try.” Surprisingly, my mom ends up convincing me, and before I know it I am in the drivers seat of her new cherry red Mustang.

After a few minutes of trying to convince myself I have made the right decision, I put on my seat belt, check my mirrors, and I place the key in the ignition. On my moms direction, I nervously turn on the car, at this point my heart is a bomb ticking away at every second that passes. “Now slowly start pressing on the gas pedal,” is all I hear when “Bam!” I slam my foot and into the car I go parked right in front of me. The silence that followed spoke a million words, “I am done” is all I hear myself say as I get out of the car, slamming the door behind me.

The next morning I stay in my room for most of the day, and I see a familiar silhouette standing in my door way. “Today is a new day, and finishing what you start will make you a stronger individual, remember giving up will not get you anywhere, I believe in you honey, but most importantly you need to believe in yourself.” These soothing words of encouragement were all I needed at that moment, not only did it make me realize that I was capable of achieving this and more, but it was a boost of confidence like no other. “Mom I want to give it another shot, I know I am ready,” with a smiles she nods, “Now that’s what I call confidence.” So, there I am, the red light glaring at me, the engine roaring, taunting me to begin, the paved road urging me to ride its charcoal-like surface. I take a deep breath, and I go for it, slowly this time, but with more reassurance. As the minutes tick away, I can feel myself making progress, “There you go you’re doing it!” my mom says excitedly, and this is all I need to boost my confidence to its max. Before I know it I am driving around as smoothly and as swiftly as an ice skater effortlessly skating on thin ice. A heart warming smile from my mom was enough for me, and the joy I felt that day was completely overwhelming.

This particular first time experience on learning how to drive greatly impacted me. It made me realize that giving up should never be an option, well at least for me I know it never will be. I have learned to strive, and push through any obstacle that may cross my path to success. Overcoming this obstacle has shown me that having determination is the key factor in being able to achieve something you deemed impossible. Just remember to never let your fear overcome your determination, let your determination overcome your fear, and you will succeed in what you set your mind to.