My First Success in America

I could not forget the day that got my driver’s license. The story reminded me of my driver’s license in Mississippi When I read Ndiaga’s essay.  It was so fun. When I was 21years old in my country, I got a driver’s license at first time. I could not drive because I did not have any car and I was afraid to drive. But I have loved to drive since I had my car. I used to travel around my country if I had every time. When I decided to come here,

I had to change my international driver’s license before I came here because I have heard to get a driver’s license without road test if I have an international driver’s license.

    At first, when I went to Department of Motor Vehicles in Olive branch in Mississippi, I could not take a text test because I did not have birth certificate. So I got the certificate from Korea, it was tested and translated by a notary public. They were very kind however they did not believe the birth certificate, I had to prove it. I gave them with notary’s identification card and license for proving. Nevertheless, I had to go to the office more several times because I did not understand their words completely.  After visiting the office five times, eventually, I could take the text test. But I failed, it was very confused. They talked to me friendly, “Don’t worry and you can come here every day.” It was ridiculous, nobody wants go the office every day. But it was relief to be able to take the test again. Next day, finally, I got my driver’s license. When I passed the test, everyone of in the office congratulate me warmly. They did not forget to advise to me, “Don’t lose the license.” I could not forget the experience that was a good for me. But, again, no, thank you. That was my little success in America first. 

By Kyoung Hui.