In my own life, I encountered adversity early on when I began learning how to drive. This experience taught me the value of facing adversity and embracing the learning that comes with it. In fact, overcoming challenges like these not only strengthens us but also prepares us for future hurdles that life might present. Each day, I learn to be a more effective driver so that I can prepare myself for high traffic areas that increase the potential for traffic accidents.
When I was 15, I had my first ever initial experience behind the wheel. This experience occurred while I was accompanied by my mother, who was by my side during our ride back home after practicing driving earlier that day. The route consisted of a straight road, but there was a right turn that I had to eventually take. Feeling quite confident due to my previous driving encounters, I approached the turn with plenty of confidence. However, as I executed the turn, I made a critical error by failing to release my grip on the wheel, leading to an unintended collision with a curb. The impact was significant enough to cause a sudden loss of pressure in the front right tire, prompting my mother to inspect the situation. Having further examined the tire, she discovered a puncture in the tire. Fortunately, we were not a mile away from the car dealership. We were able to drive the car to the dealership for it to be fixed.
Right turns now have become one of my fears when driving. Other concerns are over thinking things when driving. I typically create my own fear by over thinking things. This really shattered my confidence. I no longer wanted to drive, and I really felt bad that I damaged my mother’s car. I am not certain what triggered me not to release the stirring wheel, however I did not and to be honest I felt like a failure because I had done so well practicing.
My mother had to make me get off my soapbox, and demand that I get behind the wheel and keep trying. She explained to me that I will not get better if I do not try and trying means I had to practice more. I dedicated myself to practicing more to boost my confidence and proficiency in driving. I had to realize that I cannot be dependent on someone driving me around all the time, that I must establish my own independence by getting out of my comfort zone.
With ongoing practice, in 2022, I was able to successfully pass my permit test, now at the age of 17, I possess a valid driver's license and make it a point to drive regularly. My daily routine involves commuting to and from work as well as to and from school, allowing me ample opportunity to strengthen my driving skills. I also regularly practice in our neighborhood to help strengthen my skills. I tend to drive alone more to get in practice, having others in the car often can be a distraction. After I felt more confident with driving, I gradually introduced passengers into the car with me and feel more comfortable driving.
While I have developed a strong sense of confidence in my overall driving abilities, I must admit that I still struggle a bit with making right turns due to my height, which affects my visibility. Driving is and will always still be a challenge in my head. There are plenty of hardships I haven't faced yet like driving in heavy traffic or driving in a major city. I have driven on two major interstates, and I feel I did well, however the challenge is to pay attention to all surroundings. Also not to make irrational decisions when driving but drive at a safe pace so I can make judgements within a timely manner.
Despite these challenges, I am determined to improve them with each day as I continue to drive more frequently. I believe I overcame adversity by taking an honest look at my own knowledge and skills, acknowledging my shortcoming and working to improve them, every day. I am determined to become a more effective driver by doing a daily self-assessment and improving where needed. I am grateful to my mother for the extra push and the encouragement to not allow that one minor incident defeat me and stop me from driving. Instead I regrouped and got back in the game.