The Road to Responsibility: How Driving Education Shapes My Future

Growing up, I always believed driving was a simple rite of passage—something every teenager looks forward to as a ticket to freedom. I imagined myself behind the wheel, exploring new places, visiting friends, and enjoying the independence of going anywhere I wanted. But as I got older and learned more about the responsibilities of driving, I realized it was much more than just freedom. Driving is about responsibility, awareness, and ensuring the safety of everyone on the road, including myself.

As a college student, I’ve learned a lot about balancing responsibilities, and that perspective has translated into how I approach driving. My life hasn’t always been easy. My dad passed away when I was young, leaving my mom to raise me on her own. She has worked incredibly hard to give me opportunities, including the chance to go to college. Watching her sacrifice so much has taught me the importance of responsibility, perseverance, and staying focused on my goals.

When I first began to learn about driver’s education, I didn’t expect it to teach me lessons that would impact other parts of my life. I realized that driving isn’t just about knowing how to operate a car—it’s about making the right decisions at the right time. For example, on the road, you must decide when to slow down, speed up, and stop completely to avoid danger. In life, we face similar decisions. Losing my dad was like an unexpected red light stopping me in my tracks. I was young and didn’t fully understand how to deal with such a loss.

That’s when soccer became a lifeline for me. Playing soccer gave me an outlet to channel my emotions and a safe space to express myself without words. It became my way of coping. When I moved from Venezuela to the United States, soccer remained my constant, helping me adjust to a new country, language, and culture. It was like having a compass in unfamiliar territory.

Moving to a new country was one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced. I didn’t know anyone, and I didn’t speak English well. I felt isolated and out of place. But soccer helped me break those barriers. Language didn’t matter as much on the field as teamwork and passion. It helped me make friends, build confidence, and slowly adapt to my new environment.

The lessons I learned from soccer—teamwork, persistence, and adaptability—have helped me on and off the field. In school, I’ve worked hard to excel in my studies while balancing my responsibilities as a student-athlete. I’m proud to have a 3.67 GPA, and I’ve been named to both the Dean’s and the President’s lists. On top of that, I was selected as the NJCAA 2023-2024 3rd Team All-Academic, which reflects the hard work I’ve put into academics and athletics.

Among my proudest accomplishments was being named the NJCAA Region XIX DI/DII Player of the Year in soccer. It was the first time anyone from the Lackawanna College men’s soccer program had received this honor. It wasn’t easy to get there. When I first joined the team, I knew I’d have to work twice as hard as everyone else to earn my spot as a starter. I attended practices early, stayed late, and pushed myself to improve daily. Even when I got injured before one of our most important games, I pushed through the pain because I didn’t want to let my teammates down. Winning that award felt like validation for all my hard work and sacrifices.

Like soccer has taught me resilience and teamwork, driver’s education has taught me the importance of preparation and awareness. Driving is not just about getting from one place to another; it’s about ensuring that every choice you make behind the wheel prioritizes safety and responsibility. Similarly, every decision I make is influenced by my desire to succeed and make my family proud.

This scholarship would mean so much to me because it would help ease the financial burden on my mom, who has done everything she can to support me. My ultimate goal is to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and pursue a career in the sports industry. I want to use my experiences as a student-athlete to work in a field I’m passionate about: sports management, coaching, or working with professional teams.

Earning this scholarship would be a step closer to achieving that dream. It would help cover the costs of continuing my education at a more prominent university, where I can gain the skills and knowledge I need to succeed in my career. More importantly, it would allow me to focus on my studies and soccer without worrying as much about how I’ll pay for tuition.

Looking back, I see how far I’ve come—from a young boy in Venezuela struggling with the loss of his father to a college student striving to make a better future for himself and his family. Soccer has been my escape, motivation, and guide, helping me overcome challenges and focus on my goals. Much like life, driving has taught me to stay aware, adapt to changing conditions, and take responsibility for my actions.

This scholarship would support me financially and remind me that hard work and determination pay off. It would be an acknowledgment of the journey I’ve been on and the sacrifices my mom and I have made to get here. With your help, I can continue this path and achieve my dreams of impacting the sports industry.