On the morning of your 16th birthday, typically there is only one thing on your mind. It is finally time to take a trip to the local DMV office to take the test for your driver's license.

For many teenagers, a license to drive equals freedom. Yet, others learn a license doesn't automatically allow them the flexibility to leave their home at will, and enjoy the freedom I speak of.

Teenagers will also need a vehicle to drive. The question is: Where is this car coming from?

Regardless of finances, teenagers by law are unable to buy car insurance on their own until they reach age 18.

This forms the question, should the birthday gift be a car? Or should we, as teenagers, have to work to earn our own?

I know every teenager would love to wake up and find a car sitting outside, with a big red ribbon draped over the hood, but just being handed the keys does not teach you anything.

Earning the money to pay for it and learning about the responsibility that goes along with owning your own car are important. The pride which comes with accomplishing a goal of buying a car would be better than just knowing your parents gave it to you.

I do not believe parents should buy their teenagers vehicles; however, it is important that until they can purchase their own, they are provided with transportation as needed. The ability to be transported to and from school, and school activities, along with transportation to work is key.

Personally, I am still working on earning enough money to buy my own vehicle, and until I do, I am driving my parents' cars. I will have to purchase a car before I leave home, and working toward this goal is going to be challenging. The challenge is the reason why when I do purchase my first car, it will be a major accomplishment.

When I was younger, I thought my parents were unfair in saying they would not buy me my first vehicle, but now I realize why, and I respect them for it. Knowing it is something I worked for and earned will mean more to me than if, when I had turned 16, I walked outside to find a car waiting there for me.

Miranda Gestrin is a junior at Lebanon High School.