Road to bright future
A TOWNSVILLE woman has worked through tragedy to reach a rite of passage for most young Aussies.
Nathasha Essam, 23, passed her P- plate test yesterday thanks to the LearnIt program.
“When I was younger I lost my dad, and at the start of the year I lost my mum to cancer as well,” she said.
“Because they’ve passed away I don’t have anyone else I can lean on for support.”
Ms Essam was left relying on taxis and friends for work transport.
“I’ve had a few ladies from work help me, but my partner has been away working for six months so it was hard to ask anyone else,” she said. “You’re embarrassed to ask.
“Financially, it’s expensive to be getting learner lessons.
“Every day it’s constantly having to catch other transport, it ends up costing so much. Instead of me being able to use that money to buy learner lessons, I spend that on transport.”
Ms Essam has wanted to get her licence for about six years and eventually found Queensland Youth Services program LearnIt, which helps young people achieve their licence so they can retain employment and live independently.
She said LearnIt’s mentors helped her log the hours and improved her attitude about being behind the wheel.
“They make sure they get rid of your bad habits without being judgmental,” she said.
“I feel if you don’t have a driving teacher who’s going benefit you, then you’re going to have the worst mindframe going into it.”
Ms Essam said while the idea of taking her practical driving test was a bit daunting, she felt ready to begin life with a licence.
“I’m really nervous but I’m keen,” she said.
Ms Essam said LearnIt wasn’t only for young people whose families are unable to help teach them to drive.
“I think everybody should do something like that, even if they know how to drive,” she said. “There’s so many things you don’t realise you have to learn.
“Even if you already have support, it’s another person’s perspective.”