New high school student car owners: We’ve all seen them. The lanyard-twirling, key-jingling, ever-bragging kids. They aren’t shy. There’s something about having a car that brings out that inner “I’m a cool kid now” in all high-schoolers.
I won’t even try to say I’m immune to this condition. I’m right there with them, showing off my ability to drive alone and my cool, new lanyard twist. It’s a sign of freedom, a rite of passage. But sometimes, the way new drivers act is far from logical.
For instance:
Lunchtime: Everyone wants to drive to lunch. It takes about 15 minutes to get out of the parking lot and just as long to get back in, but people want to be able to drive to Taco Bell, instead of, heaven forbid, walking. Perhaps it’s laziness, maybe it’s pride or maybe the food just tastes better when you drive to get it – but most of all, it’s a sign of social status. The whole “drive even though it’s faster to walk” mindset isn’t too logically sound, and you know students regret their decision when it’s time to buy gas.
Driving to school: Many people live near the school they go to, within walking or biking distance. However, they would rather wake up early, painstakingly scrape the ice off their car in the freezing cold, wait for the engine to warm up and start the drive. By this time, they could already be locking up their bike at school. But hey, at least you’ll be able to drive home in the afternoon, when it’s warmer. Socially cooler though, eh?
Giving rides: You’re halfway out the door, ready to take off, when you think of a brilliant way to tell people that you can drive. Calling back, you offer anyone within earshot the chance for a ride. Even if your passenger’s destination is on the opposite end of town from where you need to be, you’re more than happy to take them, and you ask them to please call back if they need a ride home. Inconvenient and a money drain, but it is a sound investment in social capital. Cool points add up like dollar signs on a taxi meter.
Lanyards: Now this one doesn’t make much sense. You’ll see people walking down the hall with their keys in their pocket, but the string of their lanyard dangling out, hanging there for the world to see, tempting everyone to give it a good tug. Now who started that?
Has it always been like this? Has there always been a long list of tasks new drivers are willing to do to get some social recognition? I’d put my money on “yes.” It’s amazing what people will do to improve their image to others.
Don’t believe me? Just wait until your “Sweet 16.” It’s what I did. Now, should I go with a red, white or blue lanyard?
Connor Henry is an editor at El Diablo, the Durango High School student newspaper. His parents are Alain and Tebby Henry of Durango.
