Your Independence

When I was younger, the narrative of driving was always pushed on me. From family members, to my friends, the phrase you should really learn how to drive, was a constant reminder of my inability to drive. But it never phased me.

I mean– Why should I learn how to drive when I don’t go out anyways? Why is driving beneficial when I can just carpool or walk?

I don’t even like driving…

Now, don’t get me wrong, I have a social life, but I would base my plans on hanging out at the nearby outlet next to my school or staying on facetime with my friends. After all, none of us could drive or had a car ourselves, and we saw each other every day.

It wasn’t until I started a job, that things actually got…

Difficult.

For context, I worked as a hostess for a busy restaurant, and a sales associate for a popular shoe company. Both of these jobs required a minimum 3 hour shift, and a maximum 6 hour shift. These times I work would be immediately after an 8 hour school day, or on the weekend for open to midday (or afternoon to closing time).

I couldn’t come in to my scheduled shifts, my parents had work that day till a later time, my friends were busy, or my arranged ride couldn’t make it on time. All that time when I could have earned an extra buck or two, save money for investing, or even fund my education was wasted on my selfishness.

Selfish because I was taking this opportunity for granted, when all I needed to do was drive.

I actually started driving in February. I had gotten my permit in July the year before, so I would end up being 18 by the time I took the test. This meant I had about until June to “lock in” and actually learn how to drive.

I think learning how to drive was the most humbling part.

It. Is. Not. Easy.

To think that driving is like driving a bike, is an understatement. Think you’re driving an oversized bike, with extra parts, and a bigger space.

It took me until the end of June, with about a month and a half of intense practice to learn how to drive perfectly. This was about a month before I would attend college. To which I would either have to drive or walk to campus.

For going to a university 3 hours away, and living off campus, the idea of walking in an unfamiliar area as an 18 year old was cathartic.

If I never drove before that, I honestly don’t think I could have survived my first couple weeks after moving in. Driving is quite literally essential.

If I wanted to go to Walmart, I had to drive 15 mins. Go to a coffee shop nearby? 7 minutes of driving. Drive to the on-campus library? 6 minutes.

If, by chance, I walked, I would need to count 20 mins of a walk for a 5 minute drive.

Carpooling was not an option for me in this case.

Let’s talk about the glittering benefits of driving, though.

Not only are you learning the basic life skills that driving gives, you have a more understanding of responsibilities associated with it.

Ultimately, you mature as a result of the practice of driving.

Some say getting a job matures someone with responsibilities, but not many people discuss the impact that driving does.

I think I became more independent as a result of driving.

From understanding the impact of money in relation to gas, places I should look at getting jobs from its distance to me, or even planning beforehand when to leave to arrive at a destination. Sure, you can get by, by not driving. Taking a nearby bus, going to a shuttle, or getting a cheap Lyft or Uber, or riding a bike, but is it worth it?

Is it worth catching a late night bus ride, getting an uber in the middle of the night, or riding a bike in the depths of winter?

I want to ask you this: is your ignorance worth not acquiring this skill?

I won’t lie and not say that driving also is a privilege, and learning how to drive is not easily accessible. But for the people who have had every opportunity to learn it, why aren’t you?

Why are you not earning this ability?

Why are you risking your free time?

Why are you not helping yourself?

You can earn that independence you’ve always desired, you are able to leave with confidence that you can arrive at your commitments, and you can apply for jobs that require a valid Driver’s License and a car.

So–

Would you really risk ‘Your Independence’ for your selfishness?