On our sixteenth birthday, we all are secretly hoping we see a new friend pull up in our driveways. We may be window shopping before this date arrives to scope out the best looking car on the market. If it isn't up to your standards, then you move on to the next one. It must be safe, have an awesome sound system, but most of all, you need to picture yourself having a future with your car.

In your first car, you will create some of the best memories, whether they include having a jam session alone or with some close friends. Your first vehicle will be all yours. You get to name them, take care of them, and even feed them every so often. My car is named Molly Mazda. She is a lot like me. Her color isn't just blue or grey, but in-between which gives her a unique look from the rest. Molly also has a lot energy, just like me. She can go from 0 to 100 real quick.

Nobody tells you that when you are buying your first car it will be with you through the most exciting years of your life. High school, college, summers home, you name it. Receiving a car and a license shows the world you are finally an adult. This is a right of passage we must all go through that is simple a part of growing up. My little Mazda drove me to my first day of school, my first job, and many other firsts. My car has grown up with me. From my teenage years singing with friends driving down the beach to taking me to an adult internship this summer, my car has been there through it all. The good days, bad days, and everything in between was spent in my car. She has been there driving me forward in life to do all the fun things I always wanted to do. She has kept my secrets about the fun I have had. Molly Mazda keeps me safe from the outside world (traffic and other drivers) and reminds me how to take care of something you love and value. We have the same taste in music but what makes her really unique are the memories I have made with this her. The history of me growing up existed behind that steering wheel.

I have put 55,311 miles on my car. Every single mile was definitely worth it. My little Mazda was a key to freedom. Whether it was a drive to the beach, a friend's house, or to get food, it was always an adventure. I can't thank my little Mazda enough for keeping me safe and for being the best first car. Your first car really is your ride or die.