Driving licence and the year 2020

In the USA most people do their driving licence when they are 16. It is a driving licence but also citizenship pass. Therefore without it, as if the person doesn’t exist. Without a car in Vermont (but alas other states also) it is very difficult. On the other hand, not far from Prague a travelled student like me can get by without major difficulties. Our relatively very good public transportation network can replace the necessity of car for long-distance movement. Therefore, even though in the Czech Republic I do not need a driving licence very much, in the USA it is a different story. And as most of my readers know, even in Czechia it is useful. That’s why I wanted to do it and during Covid, I finally had the time.

With the reason why I have done it, I can now move to the experience itself. That was very diverse. From racist and very uninformed instructor through driving with all the Covid restrictions to the final test with the commissioner. What piqued my interest were my dialogues with another boy with whom I have done the final test. He was from the gymnasium, where I studied and he vaguely remembered me from my UWC presentation. It is only 5 years since I studied there and already so much has changed. The second fascinating situation was how we expressed emotions after we had obtained the licence. And I must say, that simple difference in personalities can be the reason for it, but he truly celebrated it. Immediately called his entire family, proudly displayed it and I have just been happy I do not need to be commuting to take my lessons. It is said that children can enjoy more purely and I was wondering at that moment, where I have lost it. Was it through the Covid or adulting or worries or that I have already lived through many enjoyments and now the relative level isn’t as high? But it feels very sad. Why lose this beautiful worldview? And can it be found again? Maybe a question for 2021.

Or maybe it is simply due to the year 2020. Might be that 21’ will be better. It is a year, where I am supposed to graduate. A year into which many people put their biggest hopes to have some semblance of normalcy. A year full of fuller human relations, fewer Zoom meetings and the ability to hug without worrying that you might get Covid or transmit it to others. But years should be finished with thanks. And I must say that through Covid, unexpected flights home and other problems have shown me how much I have. A loving family which is overjoyed when I come home. Some of my friends couldn't even go home, as their parents were too worried about the risks. Thankful that we have enough money, we kept jobs or simple things like being able to go outside in the garden. The list is never-ending and so I invite You as well to reflect. Look at what the year gave.