Opening the door, sliding in the driver's seat, putting on your seat belt and then taking a deep breath. As you check your mirrors and grip the steering wheel blood starts pumping hard through your veins.

Driving for the first time is intimidating but most of all it's freeing.

When you sit in your driver's seat you are responsible for not only your life but every other person's life on the road and those who may be in the car with you. Driving is so much more than just getting behind the wheel and staying in between two lines on a road. You have to be aware 100% of the time, watch your speed and also pay attention to those crazy drivers who aren't following the rules of the world. You can easily kill or be killed being behind the wheel of a car.

However, with the dangerous aspect of driving aside you experience for the first time, true freedom.

You are not held back from being able to jump in the car and go see your friends, you can have a more flexible schedule with classes or work, and what every parent enjoys the most, you can help run errands.

What makes driving the first time so sweet is not having to depend on everyone to take you places such as work, social events, or even just going to class. Being a sophomore in college and just getting my license is somewhat embarrassing but now that I have my license it has made my life almost 10 times easier.

Now that I have my license I am so appreciative of my little stick shift Ford Focus and being able to go and do things for myself. I am able to start working, and volunteer within my church or join any groups that I may want to participate in. Driving also opens your eyes up to the realities of paying for gas and how quickly it burns.

If you are still carpooling and getting rides from people just hang tight and get out there and get your license! It isn't nearly as hard or scary as people make it out to be and to be able to drive for yourself is one of the best feelings in the world!

Always remember to buckle up and stay safe on the roads!

P.S.

Don't Text and Drive!