My knuckles were as white as they were holding the black steering wheels with both hands at my 9 and 3. As white as the substance falling down in chucks and whirls on my windshield.  

It was near midnight tonight when I decided to head home and that is when I noticed the layer of snowflakes lining my car. I had a slight panic attack. I just conquered a small fear of driving downtown commercial, now I have to deal with this? I’ve never driven in a heavy snowstorm by myself. My dad was the one usually coaching me to how to deal with disastrous weather, while in the passenger, not behind the wheel. 

I just had to remember to stay at, or below, the speed limit; keep right; and remember that I have full control of the steering wheel, but keep in mind to shift gears. And never, ever slow stop on a frozen, ill-lit freeway, even with blinkers. 

It took me an extra 15 minutes to get home on top of my 30 minute route, but I’m home. Safe and sound. 

This will be the first and last time I will be caught in a snowstorm.

This is happening all while I wear a leather jacket and a pair of canvas shoes, without socks. Clearly, I was prepared.