Is the party scene as great as people talk it up to be? For me it was, or at least I thought it was. On weekends, you could find me partying, just kicking back having fun. In May 2007, I took the greatest risk I had ever taken. The weekend of May 25th my mom went out of town and left my older sister in charge, who incidentally decided to spend the night at her boyfriend's house leaving all household responsibility to me. Never before had I had so much freedom, and I was sure to take full advantage of my opportunity. Without a thought, I was on my way to Gilbert to meet Ryan, the boy I was dating.
I volunteered to be the designated driver for Ryan because I have always been completely against drinking and driving. Around midnight, Ryan suggested that we stay the night so I wouldn't have to drive all the way home so late at night. Agreeing to stay, I no longer felt it was necessary to remain sober. So I began to drink. As the party died out, Ryan and I determined that being the only two people to spend the night might be uncomfortable, and we left. I was fine to drive, or so I thought. As I turned from street to street, the words that came out of Ryan's mouth made my stomach drop!
Red and blue is all I vaguely remember seeing. The police officer asked if I had been drinking. Terrified, I replied "no." He then repeated the question, and asked me to turn off my vehicle and step out. He took out a pen and told me to follow it with my eyes. There was another police car parked behind us and two more cops stepped out. The police questioned Ryan and me and then had me take a breathalyzer test. I thought I was clever controlling how hard I was blowing into the breathalyzer, but little did I know that the officer was smarter that the average 17-year-old girl. When I had done it right and he got the correct reading, he announced I was then under arrest.
I was asked if there was someone that they could call to come pick me up. My sister failed to answer her phone and my mom and dad were out of town—which the police refused to believe (apparently, they hear that “excuse” all the time). After repeated attempts with all three phone numbers, I was told I would have to go to the police station until someone could pick me up. I was taken to jail for the night until they were able to reach my dad. My dad had to drive all the way from Tucson to get me at 5:30 in the morning. And then I was free. I arrived at my house around 6:30 a.m. As my dad dropped me off, he told me that he forgave me and that we all make mistakes. At that point I cried uncontrollably until my sister arrived home a short while later. Yelling at me, she told me that I ruined the whole family and that she couldn't believe what I had done. School was going to start and I was told I had to go. All day I was a wreck and my mind was everywhere except school.
After the initial shock ended I thought about what the consequences for my behavior might be. I was grounded for more than a month and received legal papers in the mail with my court date. My mom, dad and grandparents all went to court with me. I was really nervous and thankful to have such good support behind me. After meeting with my lawyer, the judge asked me multiple questions and then my punishments were decided. Before I left, the judge told me a story about two girls who had drank and driven on their graduation. They were 17 years old—just my age—and they killed someone. I can't even fathom the fact of killing someone. I was so very lucky no one was hurt, or worse, killed. I often think about how different my life would be if something worse would have happened. In some way, shape or form I am always reminded of my foolish actions and the regret that I have. I know I cannot change the wrong I have done, but I can change my actions to move forward and better myself. I try to mentor my friends and tell them what a life-changing experience it can be if they decide to commit the crime I did.
So now I ask myself again, if partying really is all it’s cracked up to be? No! In fact, being pressed with five charges at age 17 wasn’t much fun at all. And killing someone definitely doesn't sound like a party. I have not had a drink since this experience and have no intentions of doing so until I turn 21. In the meantime, I have learned that it is possible to have fun without drinking and on the plus side; you won't be left with a guilty conscience. For me, I was unable to drive for two months and that not only affected me but also my mom who had to shuttle me to and from school and work. My bad decision has been a turning point in my life and was a complete wake up call that saved me from going down a path that was definitely not part of my plan.
--Whitney, Scottsdale