Dear 2006 cherry red Volkswagen Jetta,

The day I turned the big 1-6, you were sitting in my driveway with a big bow. No you weren't new, but you were exactly what I needed (thanks, mom and dad). Not only did this mean getting my long-awaited and greatly anticipated drivers license, it meant absolute freedom (to a certain extent—I was a 16-year-old high schooler living under my parents’ roof, but you know what I mean). It meant Sonic runs late at night, driving myself to and from school and picking up my girlfriends (one at a time for the first six months, of course) just to drive around the block, only because I could.

You endured several “student driver” magnets on your bumper while I had my permit (which were the subject of several cruel snapchats—some “friends” I have, huh?) and we’re just lucky to have made it past that point. You also endured many a parallel parking trial (and error) with me just aimlessly jerking the steering wheel around and switching from drive to reverse again and again.

Your speakers never blew out when I blasted “Erase Me” by Kid Cudi on my way home from volleyball practice my sophomore year and you were the epitome of resilience when I backed you into other cars the first, second, third and even the fourth time. I’m sorry about that, by the way. I blasted so many break-up songs late at night and drove around the neighborhood somewhat recklessly when I needed a good cry, which in retrospect wasn’t my smartest decision but hey—we made it. You went with me through heartbreaks and celebrations.

Remember that one time you broke down on my first road trip? Thank goodness you survived that one after several thousand dollars, two tow trucks and many weeks in the shop. Also, remember the first time I drove in a big city downtown and went the wrong way down a one-way street? A valet of a restaurant had to come outside and help me because I was basically a deer in headlights… literally. Look at us now—in college, facing parking tickets, tight parking garages and reckless moped drivers. We’re still kickin’.

Thanks for being my most trustworthy and dependable companion. I’ll always remember the important places you brought me for the first time on my own, from my first job interview to move in day in college. So many memories were made with you—from high school to college, you’re the best.