Jamison
Nistler
Driver
Education Initiative Scholarship
Relative
Immortality

When
I first started driving, I was absolutely terrified as the prospect.
I, a highschool sophomore, was finally considered mature enough to
maneuver a Two ton bullet capable of reaching speeds of 70mph.
Needless to say on that first trip, I didn’t end up reaching that
speed. Nor the second. Gradually, however, one begins to become more
comfortable, each trip increasing that self imposed speed limit set
by yesterday. Each day you become closer to perceived invincibility.
While confidence is one thing, the complacency we acquire on the road
leads to harsh lessons, a lesson only for yourself if you are lucky.
Sometimes, however, we learn from others who were not fortunate
enough to learn from themselves. One of my sister's best friends was
the first, but even closer. A close friend and cousin soon followed,
his life permanently altered by a bout of carelessness. His loved
ones altered even more. Complacency behind the wheel is a curse that
we often succumb to, only falling back to reality after someone flies
too close to the sun. So I offer this piece of advice to anyone who
may find themselves driving: Invincibility is not the inability to
get hurt, but the continual state of failing to due so. Everything is
impossible until someone does it. Everyone is invincible until they
very suddenly find out they aren’t. Experienced driver or
beginner: Learn from others, or others may learn from you.