[font="times new roman"] It was precisely three minutes before school was out for winter break and my friends and I were eagerly confirming plans to go to the movie to see the latest blockbuster hit. As the teacher waved his hand to let us go, we quickly crowded through the doors, anxious to reach our cars to start our mini vacation. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] Pulling onto Nova Dr. to head home, I hit a pothole and began to lose control of my vehicle. Immediately my brain entered panic mode and adrenaline rushed through my veins. Losing track of reality, I hit the gas instead of the breaks and careened into an innocent bystander at a bus stop. After about half a second, I pulled off the road and jumped out of the car to check on the victim. In about two seconds I was surrounded by witnesses trying to help the man. Ambulance personnel rushed the man to the hospital and ask if I need to be checked out. The adrenaline rush was so great the emergency personnel thought I was going to go into shock. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] As I sat and watched the witnesses provide statements to the police I saw my life shatter to pieces. I lost sight of my dream to become an architectural engineer or entrepreneur or have a large family in the country side of Tennessee. Almost thirty minutes pass when the lead detective notifies me that the man was pronounced dead on arrival. My heart sank and my thoughts immediately rushed to the wife that wouldn’t have a husband to come home to anymore. As my mind and body went numb the officer told me the case had been stepped up to a serious accident involving vehicular manslaughter and carried hefty penalties if convicted. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] As it turned out, the judge sentenced me with thirty eight hours of community service, and a suspended license for two years. I knew the heavy penalties I was faced with but God smiled on me and gave me another chance. I believe any jail time pinned against me couldn’t equal the amount of depression, anxiety, and guilt I felt when I heard that wife would never see her husband again.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] Not a day goes by that I don’t appreciate those closest to me a little more than before. I understand that within the blink of an eye everything you ever knew could be taken from you without mercy. I look at life from a new angle in that I no longer think of my greedy wants but instead try to help others the best I can. It’s a horrible experience to endure at the ripe young age of sixteen but it’s a life lesson worth learning. [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Lisa Jones[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Age: 17[/font]
[font="times new roman"]MTHS, Florida[/font]