Blog #2: A Significant Event in My Life

Around a year ago, Valente struggled with appointments and gatherings because he depended on wether there was anyone who could drive him to wherever he needed to go. Wether it'd be to his extracurricular classes or to a mere friend gathering, he often missed them or arrived late because there was no one around who had nothing better to do than drive him to his destination.

This, however, changed when his 16th birthday arrived. Valente had finally gotten what he wanted and needed the most. The true test of his maturity and responsibility: his very own driver's license. After this, Valente's world completely changed. Now he was able to make his own schedules. He could go to wherever he wanted to go. But not everything was good though. Although he had a little bit of experience behind the wheels, Valente had not driven farther than a few blocks away from his house. Real traffic was something completely new to him. As he fastened his seatbelt, he could feel his heart pounding against his chest. Adrenaline was being pumped through his veins almost as fast as the cars that would soon be going past him. After some hesitation, the roar of the engine filled Valente's ears as he pressed down on the pedal and felt the forward motion of the car. He had seen those streets a million times before, but never quite like this. Everything was the same, but somehow different. His parents always said that as much as you try to pay attention as a co-pilot, things will never be the same when it's you behind the wheel.

After a few months, Valente felt like he had controlled that rush of adrenaline every time he turned on the engine. He was now confident to go outside of the places he knew. Now, Valente is able to drive others as well, and repay those who gave him rides before. He was a little bit more independent, and he loved it. That is until the car runs out of gas, or until a backlight stops working, or when he has to go do some favor for his dad, of course. But mostly, it was totally worth it.