The Road Ahead: How Every Detail Drives Our Journey

It was my senior year of high school when I first realized the true responsibility of being behind the wheel. But back then, I was a teenager just starting to navigate the roads—both literally and figuratively. The lessons I learned about driving during that time have stayed with me ever since and shaped how I approach life today.

Charles Eames, the renowned designer, once said, “The details are not the details. They make the design.” This quote has always resonated with me—not just as I study interior design, but as I reflect on the choices we make each day. It’s the small things—the moments of awareness, the subtle decisions—that shape our lives. This couldn’t be truer than when it comes to the road. Those seemingly small choices, like keeping your phone out of reach or sticking to the speed limit, can make the difference between safety and tragedy.

My journey into driving began with Driver Education during my senior year. At first, I thought it was all about the basics—speed limits, seatbelt rules, and the usual safety advice. But I quickly learned it was so much deeper. Driving was about responsibility—about understanding the weight of each decision I made. Every time I stepped behind the wheel, I was reminded that my actions didn’t just affect me; they impacted everyone around me.

My parents were my first and most influential teachers. My mom, a passionate advocate for safety, never missed a chance to remind me to buckle up. She’d often tell me, “Make sure your phone is out of reach,” knowing how easily distractions can lead to disaster. My dad’s lessons were equally valuable. He took me out on snowy roads, teaching me how to regain control when the car started to slide. Watching videos with him about the dangers of speeding, I realized that driving wasn’t just about reaching a destination—it was about being prepared for the unexpected and remaining calm when things went wrong.

But the most important lesson didn’t come from a textbook or a driving lesson. It came from a devastating event at my high school. Years before I became a senior, two beloved students, Ashley and Sierra, lost their lives in a car accident. One spring afternoon, the girls were driving with their boyfriends when the driver, speeding recklessly, lost control of the car and crashed into a telephone pole. Both girls died—one was ejected from the vehicle. The driver survived, but the tragedy shattered our community.

What made their deaths even more painful was that Ashley and Sierra had lied to their parents about where they were going. Their parents never got the chance to say goodbye. In their memory, a bench was placed in the courtyard of our high school, engraved with their names. Every time I passed that bench, I was reminded of the fragility of life and how quickly everything can change. It became clear to me that driving isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about respecting the road and the lives of everyone you encounter.

That loss instilled in me an unwavering commitment to safe driving. I promised myself that I would never compromise safety, whether I was behind the wheel or in the passenger seat. If anyone in my car refused to wear their seatbelt, I wouldn’t drive them anywhere. If I wasn’t sure a designated driver was sober enough to drive, I would step up and make sure everyone got home safely. I learned that even the smallest actions, like checking if someone is fit to drive, can save lives.

Now, every time I get in the car, I think of those lessons. I keep the radio low, stay aware of my surroundings, and respect the speed limit. I know that the smallest distraction or a slight increase in speed could change everything. Speed kills, and it’s a choice we can control. The details matter—whether it’s buckling up, ensuring your driver is sober, or staying within the speed limit. These small decisions add up to a journey that keeps us all safe.

In Interior Design, every detail matters, and the same is true in life. As I continue my studies and my journey on the road, I carry these lessons with me. I know that every decision I make—whether big or small—has the power to affect not only my life but the lives of everyone around me. Just as in design, where every detail counts, in life, every choice counts. And as I drive through life, I’ll always remember the importance of the details.