In high school, a driver’s license gives you power and independence. The sophomore class is just beginning to get a taste of this power, as newly licensed sophomores are now driving themselves to their everyday destinations. Driving has given sophomores the freedom go wherever they want, whenever they want.

“My license is freedom to go wherever I want,” sophomore Jack Keller said, who has been using his license to hang out with his friends. While his license has given him a large amount of freedom, he also has many more responsibilities as well: “I often have to give my little sister rides to her soccer games, or get groceries for my mom,” Keller said.

Keller also believes that driving laws should become less strict. He feels that if the driving age was lowered to the age of 14 or 15, teenagers would think of their license as a bigger deal and focus more on driving safely. 

Sophomore Nicole Strom was very eager to get her license. “I got my license the day of my birthday, and I drove to my friends house that night,” Strom said. Strom uses her license in similar ways as Keller: she uses it mainly to drive to sporting events or hangout with friends. However, Strom doesn’t agree with Keller regarding the driving laws. “16 is a good age because it’s really easy to get distracted, so it would be harder for someone younger to be really focused while driving alone or with friends,” Strom said.

Whether you think driving is as cool and independent as many sophomores do or not, these sophomores are getting their first experiences with a skill they will be using for the rest of their lives.