It drives me crazy to see kids driving their super flashy (and obviously not earned) cars.

When I walk home and pass the students’ parking lot on Dymond, students never cease to be seen blasting out towards Butterfield Road, taking “their” pricey vehicles for granted, while kids in other areas less well-off are forced to catch rides or walk places until they earn their own car. These cars clearly haven’t been earned by any high schoolers. The luxury some kids take for granted is insane. If you want to drive fast, at least make it your own property you are risking.

Where’s the pride in going out and showing off your parent’s car, though? I don’t know about you, but I’d take a self-earned, cheap car rather than an expensive one from my parents any day. Maybe it’s just me, but isn’t it more gratifying to buy your own things with money you worked hard for? It really makes you appreciate the things you have even more once you start working and relying less on your parents for money. It makes you value hard work and what it does for you in life. Not to mention, you’re risking someone else’s car when you go out.

Sophomore Maddie Guiard agrees, for the most part: “Working [for your things] is preferable, but a little parental help isn’t bad… if you work hard, you’re going to get a lot out of it.”

I understand that Libertyville is a wealthier community in general, but that doesn’t mean that us students shouldn’t be working to earn our own things. Even a couple hours a week will allow you to make your own spending money and get you on your way to earning a car.

According to Ben Wolfgang of The Washington Times, in May of 2012, the number of high school students with jobs hit a 20-year low, with just 16% working. It’d also be my guess that Libertyville’s percent would be even lower. While this is partly due to the economy, I also feel many kids in Libertyville often don’t see the need for work, as their parents can provide for what they need.

Guiard also stated that if a student isn’t in sports or extracurriculars, then working is a must for time management. She plans to work at some point in her high school career.

I’m not saying that driving your parents’ car is a bad thing in any regard. I drive my dad’s car, too. However, I always have my future car in mind, and work for it vigorously (Explain how so to build up your credibility here). But while you’re saving for your own car, keep in mind the value of the vehicle you’re driving; keep in mind that you’re taking a risk of damaging that property that your family spent their hard-earned money on. So, if not save for a car, try to at least chip in for gas once in a while. Maybe catch a ride from a friend or walk if you can, but someone had to buy for the car, ultimately.

Again, working hard to buy a car of your own is something that is more enjoyable and gratifying in the long run. Think about it. Like my grandfather told my dad when he asked for a car: “you can have whatever car you want… just save up your money!”