To all my friends who’ve driven me somewhere this year,
A magical thing happened this weekend: my parents decided to go on vacay and drove the car down for me to use while they’re away. I finally had it–freedom, independence, the ability to take myself anywhere. And I became the designated driver for a couple days…
That's not one of the things I've gotten used to this year. In fact, having a car briefly makes me realize how uncomfortable and inconvenient it is to NOT be mobile via personal automobile. It's not a necessity, but it's like the difference between a single and double room. And most people you ask would probably say that single rooms are a luxury worth splurging on.
So, why don’t I have a car on campus this year?
Well, aside from being expensive (ie. PARKING PERMITS), I just didn’t see myself getting enough use out of it. I had a car last year, but I barely used it. I didn’t have many friends that asked to go places, and I was so busy on campus that I had neither the time nor the energy to leave for elsewhere. And so, my car sat in the lot 6 or 7 days of the week. That’s why I didn’t think it’d be worth it to park and leave on campus this year. Plus, my family needed it at home A LOT more than I did.
This year, I still don’t go very many places. When people give me rides, it’s usually because all my friends are carpooling anyway. On the occasion that I do ask for a ride myself, it’s usually from one side of campus to the other when it’s too late & cold to walk, and when it will get me to my friends quicker so I can hang out and enjoy their company. I don’t intend to look for favors or handouts unfairly. I promise.
But I have a newfound appreciation for you, all my friends with cars. You deepen our friendships by allowing me to continually join in your company. You help me get out and about from the bubble of this campus. You transport me to the lands of boba, ice cream, and other delicious foods. You keep me sane when staring at my computer screen for 10 hours a day amplify my internal screaming.
I'm grateful for all those trips. For all the memories. For all the fun. And I look forward to the times that I can chauffeur you around.
And one day, I will.
From,
The Girl Who Doesn't Have A Car On Campus
