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I have had my share of trouble in school during my childhood but the most
unforgettable one was the time when I decided to drive my school van. It
happened when I was in primary four, an age when the young could not wait to
grow up in a hurry. However, things follow a natural order and driving,
outside of an arcade centre, is certainly not natural for a primary four
pupil. Unfortunately, being the child that I was, I wanted to do things that
adults did. I can still remember the incident vividly. The unattended keys
had first caught my attention when I was waiting impatiently for the driver
to return to the van. One of the primary one pupils had not turned up, so
the driver had gone to search for him. A mischievous thought crossed my mind
as I decided to frighten my friends in the rear compartment by starting the
engine of the van. Looking back, it was a very foolish thing to do since I
had absolutely no idea about driving. It was basically a spur-of-the-moment
act.
As I started the engine, I was seized by a thrilling sensation and began
entertaining ideas about driving the vehicle. As the temptation became too
great, I reacted like any child would. I shifted the gear and tried to
recall what my father had done to get his car moving. My friends in the rear
compartment of the van were shocked when they realized what I was attempting
to do. Some primary one students screamed while others cheered me on.
Perhaps it is true what people say about characteristics being revealed
during a crisis.
The driver must have heard the din we caused because he soon rushed out
of the school compound to investigate. When I caught sight of him, I became
a nervous wreck and tried in vain to stop the engine. Unfortunately I
panicked and accidentally stepped on the accelerator instead, sending the
van crashing into the school's side gate while we were thrown backward
violently. It was a miracle that nobody was hurt or I would have to carry a
heavy conscience for the rest of my life. Except for some bruises, most of
us were more stunned than hurt to realize the danger that I had just posed
to everyone in the van. I sat motionless in the driver's seat, staring
straight ahead of me, too petrified to move.
After being helped out of the wrecked vehicle and having thoroughly
checked for injuries, we were marched to the principal's office where our
versions of the incident were heard. The experience was just like being an
interrogation scene on television but there was no happy ending in this
instance. When they had all the details, I was told to remain behind while
the rest were ushered out of the office to the canteen. I was given a very
harsh lecture by the principal and my parents were summoned as well. When
they arrived, their stern looks were enough to convince me of the severe
punishment awaiting at home. Regretting my reckless act, I became repentant
and apologized to the principal and my parents. Although I was very
fortunate to have been only suspended, my father had to pay for the damages
that I had caused. Consequently, my allowance was proportionately reduced to
make me feel the pinch. |
