Whether you believe it or not, high school goes by in the blink of an eye. There are many key points in a person’s life, starting as young as fifteen. A major part of a teenager’s life is getting their license. For Lakeview, a lot of sophomores are reaching the exciting age of driving.
While some students get their license during summer others have to balance it with school work. The current process for getting a license is not always simple. Students have to sign up for in person drives with an instructor. This can be nerve wracking because new drivers aren’t used to the responsibility. Along with this, students have to complete an in person class or a twenty-four hour online course. Although a lot of kids would like to focus on being able to drive as soon as possible, most still have tests, homework, and practices to deal with too.
I asked Sophomore Ali Parise: What was the hardest part about getting your license? Ali stated, “The hardest part about getting my license was getting the driving school done. Even though it is online, it still takes a while to get done. Especially, during volleyball season for me. The driving school was pretty easy, but it was still very time consuming and unenjoyable.”
Typically, teens start driving with their parents to practice. Once a license is in their hands they are on their own. This can be both an exciting and scary thing. It all depends on your birthday, but currently Lakeview’s new drivers are about to experience their first winter. Black ice, snow, rain, and sleet can be dangerous out on the roads. Especially for those that do not know what to expect. Driving slowly is very important. Once you overcome these obstacles, there are many other perks.
Students tend to find the newfound freedom of being able to drive by themselves the best part of having a license. At school, students get to pick their parking spots once they buy a parking pass. This is a benefit at Lakeview, because then people won’t take your spot everyday. Seniors get to pick first and so on through the rest of the grade levels. Except for freshmen and the eighth graders of course. Obviously, when seniors graduate new spots open up. Students can keep their previous parking spot or choose a new one each year. Parking passes are twenty-five dollars! Sometimes students realize they have a hard time getting out at the end of the day because of underclassmen getting picked up. So, if you decide you didn’t like where you parked last year… this problem can be fixed!
I asked upperclassman Ethan Shackelford: Where is the best place to park in your opinion? Ethan expressed, “The best place you can park is as close to the office doors as possible. Then you do not always have a long walk.”
Sophomores are the youngest drivers at the school, but as they get older there are more advantages. If you are a licensed junior or senior taking CCP classes you are eligible for open lunch. Basically, if you do not have a class you are allowed to leave school. It is always nice to be able to have a more flexible schedule, and not sit in school all day. In addition to this, a lot of people in extra-curricular activities strive to have their license. This is because they can drive themselves to and from their events without having to worry about getting a ride from someone else.
I asked Sophomore Brandon Toot: What is your favorite thing about driving? Brandon said, “My favorite part about driving is the feeling of freedom I get when my friends and I drive to different places together.”
Not only does having a license benefit students attending school, but it also increases their social life. But having a license can be tricky. Driving a car is a very powerful thing. Being responsible is the most important factor. If bad decisions are made outside of school they can affect you in school. Same goes with open lunch. If your grades are low or you got in trouble at school, your rights to leave the premises may be taken.
If you are an upcoming driver here at Lakeview have fun, but be careful!
