Personal Narrative: The Day I Got My First Car

My sweaty hands gripped the wheel as if my life depended on it. My heart pounded in my chest. I had done this before, but I had failed. This time I was going to succeed. I took a deep breath and gently pressed my foot on the gas pedal. After a few turns of the wheel, it was all over. I felt a rush of relief flow over me. The lady who was silently judging me finally spoke; “Congratulations, you have passed your driving test”.

After that day it wasn’t long before I got my first car. It was a small 2003 Honda Civic that had been passed down from my father, to my older sister, to me. Small scratches in the paint were visible and the seats were worn, but I loved it nonetheless. Then the day came when a man who was heading home from a long day

I no longer had to walk home, a trip which took less than 20 minutes, but was dreaded because I had to walk along a busy road as others sped past me. Owning a car gives someone much more independence. I quickly learned owning a car was a major responsibility.

Now that I could drive, I was responsible for picking up any miscellaneous items that I needed throughout the week. I now have to drive myself to various appointments such as getting my hair cut or going to the dentist. Keeping my eye on the gas meter was another aspect that was new to me. Worst of all was winter. Almost every morning I would look outside and see a small mound of snow blanketing my car, or ice crystallized on the windshield. I would bundle up and put on thick gloves, but the piercing cold still managed to seep through as I tirelessly cleared the snow and ice.

Obtaining my drivers license was my first step in becoming an adult. No longer will I have to rely on my parents for something as simple as getting pencils from our local drugstore. Now I have the freedom to go anywhere, but responsibility comes with privilege. I think reaching adulthood is a lot like taking a drivers test. In the beginning, you are nervous and unsure of yourself and your abilities. Over time with experience you learn to control these fears and the outcome is freeing and