The sun is shining and the east coast’s horrific “Snowmageddon” is now just a distant memory… spring is almost here. And across the nation thousands of stir-crazy students are about to be set free for seven days — hello spring break!

While most of my classmates are destined for tropical, parent-funded vacations in exotic locations, I’m looking forward to significantly less striking spring break — a road trip to Panama City Beach for a wedding. My cousin, best friend and I will embark on our 17-hour road trip from the nation’s capitol, to the bottom of the map, making a pit stop in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

I’m pretty excited to get to Florida, see my family and get some much needed sun, but the thought of being cramped in a very small vehicle with three strong personalities for such a long drive is a bit daunting. The break in Myrtle Beach, which will hopefully include lunch and outlet-mall shopping, will put a dent in the terrible drive, but I’m still anticipating an unpleasant ordeal.

Until then, I’m trying to get as much rest as possible, mapping out our very lengthy route and prepping my iPod playlists for the road. I’ll check in during the trip, as we make our way on what could possibly be the most interesting road trip in the history of spring break! Get excited!

Ryan

Recently the east coast experienced a truly extraordinary snowstorm, which blanketed a number of major cities and left D.C. buried under 24-plus inches of snow. After a day and a half of steady snowfall, people all over the city were stuck in the house and unable to escape the relentless snow. (more…)

When’s the right time to drive alone? The day I got my license, I was sure my mother would hand over her car keys and turn me loose on the road. Why wouldn’t she? I had passed state-mandated written and performance tests, and I had undoubtedly proven to her (and more importantly the state) that I could drive. (more…)

It’s bright and early on a Monday morning. My friends and I rush to get ready and leave the house. One of my roommates wakes up late, someone else decides to take a longer than average shower in the wrong bathroom, and I can’t find my house keys – it never fails. (more…)

With the biggest grin I’d ever mustered, and the millisecond long flash of the camera, my life had become complete. It was my 16th birthday, and at that point, the happiest day of my life. I had just received my graduated driver’s license. That little piece of plastic featuring my dime-sized photo was much more than permission to drive without my mother’s presence. To me, it was the beginning of what I thought would be a very liberating and exciting life. (more…)

The holidays are officially over. Luckily, I still have a few weeks to relax and try my hardest to do absolutely nothing at all. (more…)

For this holiday season, there are three things I’d like to mention:

The first: Holiday traffic. It is absolutely nuts. Yes, I am mainly referring to my mall experiences, as I never have to make pilgrimages to visit family in nearby or far off states. Parking lot stalking is at its seasonal peak, jumping out in front of oncoming traffic is more popular than ever, and avoiding fender benders seems to take the backseat to glancing down at lists and checking things off. Just sayin’. (more…)

When I first saw the Safety Scholars contest online, my first idea was to make a video about the dangers of texting while driving. A few of my friends have gotten in minor crashes, simple fender benders while they were texting and driving, and I thought the accidents could’ve been way more serious. (more…)

About three years ago this month I was still in high school, like perhaps some of you are, and making decisions about college. Specifically, how to pay for it. It’s expensive, for sure. (more…)