When I graduated high school, my inaugural car was my parents’ modest Chevy Chevette. It was functional and reliable, but what I truly desired was a vibrant red VW Golf. To me, that car embodied my youthful spirit—bright, fast, and undeniably fun.
As college application season approached, my parents, especially my mother, directed my attention solely to schools in Connecticut. It became clear that she had her sights set on Fairfield University, conveniently located just twenty minutes from our home. This was the last place I wanted to attend; it felt far too close for comfort. Despite my reluctance, my mother persisted, taking me on campus tours—even scheduling a second visit when the sun was shining. But no amount of sunshine could change the fact that living at home would mean my mother would be watching my every move like a hawk.
Then, she made a tempting offer: “If you choose Fairfield, we’ll buy you a car. Any car you like.”
Being a naive teenager, I took the bait and applied, eventually enrolling. I eagerly anticipated the promised Golf. However, when I reminded my mother about our agreement, she laughed dismissively and clarified, “Oh, that’s only if you live at home and commute.”
Clearly, I had overlooked the fine print. The thought of living at home was unbearable, and I entered college carless and feeling a bit deceived.
Fast forward four years to my graduation day. My parents called, excitement evident in their voices. “We have a special gift for you,” my mother exclaimed. “We got you a CAR!”
My heart raced as I felt a rush of gratitude. It seemed my parents were finally delivering on their promise. I couldn’t wait to hear it was the red Golf I had dreamed of.
When I asked, “Is it the Golf?” my mother replied, “No, it’s a Toyota!” Something in her tone felt off, but I remained hopeful. “What type of Toyota?” I pressed.
After a lengthy pause, she hesitantly said, “It’s a Corona.”
I was taken aback. “A Corona? What year is it?”
Another long silence followed before she finally said, “1979.”
What? They had purchased me a 13-year-old car? My initial excitement faded, replaced by disbelief. I was now a graduate—surely I deserved some input on my graduation gift!
In a moment of poor judgment, I expressed my disappointment. My mother’s response included words like “spoiled” and “ungrateful” before she abruptly hung up. I was left with a mixture of guilt, confusion, and anger.
Ultimately, my parents’ gift was a kind gesture, even if the timing was during a recession. I recognized that I had to be an adult and make the best of the situation. After apologizing, I graduated and returned home, where I first laid eyes on the Corona.
While it was technically silver, the exterior had faded to a dull matte finish. The once-red interior had turned a dull mauvey-pink from the sun. The car was described as a “liftback,” which meant its shape was less than appealing. Still, I attempted to stay positive. However, my optimism waned as I sat at a traffic light, and the car sputtered as if it were having a seizure.
As my new job required highway travel, it became evident that I needed a more reliable vehicle. Eventually, I swapped the Corona for my mother’s 1988 Mercury Tracer, a compact car that served me well for years.
The ill-fated Corona lived on for a while, eventually passed down to my sister, who ironically dubbed it “The Bullet.” It ultimately became too costly to repair and was given away. Surprisingly, when it was left at the train station overnight, thieves attempted to steal it but failed. The Corona was discovered later, abandoned and blocking the exit—a fitting end for a car that had always been a source of frustration.
In the end, the Corona’s journey mirrored my own experience—a blend of confusion, disappointment, and unexpected resilience.
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Summary
In reflecting on the experience of receiving a car for graduation, it’s essential to approach such gifts with gratitude and understanding, even when the reality doesn’t meet expectations. The story illustrates the importance of communication and the potential for misunderstanding between parents and their children.