I do not think anyone in my family thought our 2001 Mercedes ML 320 would survive 24 years.

Of the 130,786 (and counting) miles it has covered, a mere 89.5 hold the most value. My dad’s drive back from the dealership in his first car; my mom’s first ride in a country she would come to call home; my sister and I’s travel from the hospital to our house; my dog’s first commute. 

Like every other car, our car has given us our fair share of trouble. From flat tires to a broken accelerator, this car frequents the mechanic shop. But in a way, my car and I are similar. We have broken down together and picked ourselves up together. 

The average lifespan of a car is 12 years. To me, that sounds absurd because our car, our sanctuary, is still running like it did on day one, which is a testament to the level of commitment my dad has shown it. An inanimate object inadvertently opened my eyes to the hardworking and motivated individuals around me. 

From daily drives to classes, to four-hour road trips to go skiing, my parents have never complained about having to drive me anywhere. From a young age, I was given the opportunity to explore and pursue my passions, even if it meant a little extra gas money needed to be spent.

My car transported me to discover one of the few things that I cannot imagine my life without: Bharatanatyam. From my first class at age 4, five miles away from our home in Fremont, Calif., to my current weekly drives to dance class, 18 miles away, my parents paved the path for me to discover my passion. 

There is a sense of belonging and purpose that comes with the ability to do something and enjoy doing it. For me, those things are dance and The Sidekick. In times when I felt as though I did not have an identity for myself, dance opened the portal for me to explore the parts of me that make me unique. In times when I felt like I was stuck, worried about my future, The Sidekick offered me the perfect environment to realize what I want to spend the rest of my life doing.

As I spend these last few weeks in high school, I am immensely grateful for the opportunities I have received and the people who have supported me. 

To my parents, thank you for never giving up on me and my dreams. To my sister, thank you for reminding me to be a kid every now and then. To my teachers, thank you for providing me with a strong foundation and constant encouragement. To my friends, thank you for making every day an adventure. 

And to my car, thank you for being by my side through it all. 

Follow Sukirtha (@suki_muthiah) and @CHSCampusNews on X.