Many experiences, privileges, and rights come with age. It’s common knowledge that one is legally allowed to apply for a driver’s permit at fifteen years old. Ability to drive supplies the freedom and independence all children desire, so naturally I couldn’t wait until the day I would have this ability! I sat back and enviously looked on as my brother, conceited and cocky, obtained his permit. Knowing I was next, the anticipation grew tremendously. A couple years later, I began high school. One by one, all of my friends got their permits. I’m younger than most people in my grade, so when my birthday finally arrived on the eighth of May, I was ecstatic. I woke up, flew down the stairs, and instantly began peppering my parents with requests to go to the DMV and attempt to get my permit! After ignoring me for a few minutes, they told me that they didn’t feel I was “ready”. Disappointed and confused, I didn’t understand why I wasn’t ready, and I was unsure when I would be. The unfairness of my parents enraged me. Why was my brother considered ready the day he turned fifteen, but I wasn’t? For the next three months, these thoughts were on my mind continuously. I had no idea when I would be able to embark on the journey of driving that filled my every thought. One fateful day, I returned home from eating dinner with a friend, and my dad told me he had something to talk to me about. I was hoping it would be about getting my permit, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up, only to have them crushed again. When he told me that he had decided I was “ready”, I was thrilled! Mouth opening in shock, I could hardly contain my enthusiasm as I ran up to my room to begin studying the driver’s manual. I read and reread the book for several hours. I had how to parallel park and who has right of way engraved in my mind. After waiting for what seemed like a lifetime, failing the test when I was finally allowed to take it would be incredibly upsetting. I awoke early the next morning, and pleaded for my mom to get ready faster so we could go to the DMV. I looked over my book on the way there and waited anxiously as my mom filled out the forms. I went over to the touch-screen monitor and began the test. I carefully read each question and responded to each one after considering all answer choices. I submitted my answers, and my score appeared on the screen…I passed! I was so relieved and so glad I had studied! When I was handed my permit, I felt a great sense of accomplishment. I drive all the time now, and I love it!