A Job to be Done

When I was still in school, more than anything I wished that my school offered driving lessons. I wanted to hear the hum of the motor when I started the automobile, I wanted to feel the wind in my hair as I drove down the motor way. I daydreamed about learning to drive and then offering lessons to the others in my school.

I made the mistake of confiding this daydream to one of my teachers, who made the predictable comments about female driving instructors. It was only a matter of time before everyone knew, and teased me about giving them "driving lessons." It was common knowledge that I had failed my driving test. It really wasn't my fault! I just got so nervous when the examiner was scrutinising my every move. Once I even forgot how to turn on the motor, I was so tense.

Eventually people forgot about the driving lessons, and things got back to normal. But I didn't forget. And while I didn't tell anyone, I quietly studied and worked hard to find a way to learn to drive. I felt sure that if I could drive, I would suddenly be transformed from a gawky, insecure teenager into a confident, elegant adult. Behind the wheel, I'd be brilliant, witty, my hair caught back in a chic scarf. Boys would notice me, and girls would seek out my advice on make-up and dating dilemmas. Everything would be different, if only I could drive.

Of course, eventually I did pass my test. And none of the things I had envisioned happened. I didn't suddenly become confident, or elegant. Boys noticed me about the same amount as they always had, and girls talked to me about the same subjects as always. Nothing really changed that I could tell. I was the same as always, too.

But then one day my little sister fell down and broke her arm in the playground. Everyone was panicking, and no one could think what to do. I knew what to do, though. I got her into my car, and got her to the hospital, where they patched her right up. She had a cast for a while, but she was just fine.

And I guess that was when I realised what had changed. I had grown up. I finally knew what was the best thing about being able to drive.

It was being able to help the ones you love.