With their sixteenth birthdays upon them, many sophomores find themselves excited for a perceived advent of freedom – getting your license. Alex Spichke ’16 is one of the hopefuls, stating, “I just want to go to Caribou.”
Spichke has already turned sixteen and feels behind. She may not be missing out on much, though. When asked how her life has changed because of her driving capabilities, Frances Christianson ’14 said, “I got a job.”
Both Allie Wooden ’14 and Brenna Smith ’14 nodded in agreement.
But rewind about two years. How did these upperclassmen first approach the wheel? Let’s take a look.
The day I got my license…
“I was excited… I always wanted to go to the store and buy stuff.” – Maria Vogel ’15
“I felt happy.” -Vince Sellner ’14.
“I was so excited. I had to miss the day we went to Afton but it was worth it.” – Allie Wooden ’14
“I had to miss ‘bio’ so I was happy about that too.” – Christa Peterson ’14
What changed when I got by licence…
“I have to drive my siblings everywhere, I volunteer a lot more… I coach volleyball, I can work more, I can hang out with my friends more.” – Maria Vogel ’14
“Insurance rates go up and you have to run errands. I drive myself to school.” – Vince Sellner ’14
“You have to run errands.” – Brenna Smith ’14
“Everyone wants to see your car if you have an embarrassing car like me.” – Christa Peterson ’14
Advice?
“You’re not all that… If you dance or sing in the car you will get caught. People will notice.” – Christa Peterson ’14
“Don’t speed – go really, really slow in the snow.” – Frances Christianson ’14
“Use your blinker.” – Brenna Smith ’14
It’s hard to imagine anything that could dissuade a soon-to-be sixteen year old from driving, but these more seasoned drivers advise carefulness: in this weather especially. Maria Vogel reminds drivers, “You could die… You have a lot more responsibility.”