I've always loved driving, having memorable times with my dad in his old black Toyota truck. I remember the first time he let me steer in an empty parking lot it made me excited to get my license. At 15 I studied hard for my permit and practiced driving with my parents. Once I passed my driving test I started looking for affordable cars, wanting to earn my own. Because my parents had always sacrificed for me and my brothers so much I didn't want to add more stress for them. On September 28, 2022, while getting ready for my volleyball game, my parents told me to go outside. To my surprise, I saw a white car parked in the lot. When my dad handed me the keys and said it was mine, I was overwhelmed with emotion crying while trying to hold myself together. It was a 2013 Toyota Highlander, but to me, it felt like the most amazing car. After the game, I drove home, feeling like I was in a dream. I committed to keeping my grades up and following the rules of the road because that car became incredibly special to me. I cherished it and worked on it with my dad whenever it needed something. However on on February 12, 2024, just when I thought I could never let anything bad happen to my car. I was headed to pick up my little cousin from school, to help my aunt. As I approached a red light, everything felt normal until suddenly, I was struck from behind by a police car. I felt like everything I worked for was over. I passed out with my head on the steering wheel. When I regained consciousness, the shock was overwhelming. I couldn’t process what had just happened. I had a million thoughts going through my head wondering if the driver had taken off or if the back of my car was destroyed. I had pulled into the closest parking lot with the car that hit me when I got out of the car I saw it had Marana Police Department on the side of his car. I couldn't believe what had happened then I realized my car had no dent on the back of the car but when I looked at the cop's car the whole front of his car was caved in because my car was lifted higher than the cop's Ford Crown Victorian. So instead of hitting the back of my car, because he was distracted, speeding, and had a guard on the car he was able to get under my car lift the whole car, and then drop the car. If he hadn't stopped in time he would have been able to flip over my whole car. So the first thing I did when I got out of the car was call my dad because I never thought I would even have to plan for something like this. My dad came as soon as I called and asked me if I was okay at first I didn't feel any pain due to all the adrenaline I was feeling. I was at the sense for an hour being interviewed by the Tucson police department answering the same questions over and over again i finally got to go home and was starting to feel the pain in my back, neck, and legs. The next day I woke up in pain so bad I couldn't do anything i had a headache so bad when I went to the doctor they confirmed I had a concussion. My mom called the police department and was told unless we sued then they could refuse to pay for my treatments which was around 30,000 dollars and add another 6,000 to fix under my car. It felt like my life had turned upside down overnight. It felt like I was in a terrible dream that I just couldn't get out of. The first time I went to the chiropractor felt a bit of relief but was scared because he later told me it would be better if I first got an MRI waiting in the machine killed me not knowing what the results were going to be I was seriously injured. After a couple of days, it was confirmed I had two herniated discs in my back and neck, and if they did not get better with my chiropractor I would need surgery. So I took my physical recovery serous doing everything I could to get better, but while I was focused on my physical recovery I never thought about my mental recovery. After getting my car back from the shop I tried driving but when I had to get on the road I heard and horn honk and I was eminently scared getting back all the same emotions I had the day I crashed. I had to pull over to tell myself I'm okay and I'm not hurt anymore. Later that day I went online and looked up how I could overcome this mental block I have on driving. I realized I needed to remember why I started driving and why I couldn't let past actions control me. Driving holds the potential for freedom and joy, but it equally demands respect and caution. I have grown stronger, wiser, and more aware of my surroundings, committed to not only my safety but to advocating for others on the road. As I continue my journey, I remain dedicated to being a responsible driver, one who values safety above all. My experiences have taught me that every time we get behind the wheel, we make a choice that can impact not just our lives but the lives of countless others.