(November 2, 2007) — As students begin to drive, they are faced with many new challenges and responsibilities; the confusing process of getting a license is only the tip of the iceberg. Students also come to face the financial burden of a motor vehicle. Most parents are financially able to provide a car, and often the insurance, but there is great variation in how students pay for gas. Whether on Daddy’s credit card, pulled from summer job savings or earned by the hour, the money for gas has to come from somewhere, and as prices rise (California’s average price is $3.14 for regular as of Oct. 22), students adapt to stretch their dollar. “Instead of a truck, I’m getting a car,” said senior Young Choi, who has chosen not to drive as long as he can ride the Clark bus. A few juniors have also chosen the efficient MPG route; one popular car is the Honda Accord, which is rated at over 30 miles to the gallon highway. Senior Vladamir Akopian saves simply by driving less. “The higher the prices are, the less students drive,” he said. But, in fact, few have many complaints about gas prices. “I don’t pay the gas price,” senior Vagrik Mandany said, voicing a popular opinion held by many a driver whose parents pick up the tab. The common sentiment appears to be that if it’s not your money, it’s not your problem. But even students who pay their own way are considerably resigned. When asked how he would adapt to rising prices, senior Matt Zari responded, “I’m going to pay it.” Calculus and statistics teacher Fred Blattner is disturbed by the apparent student apathy, compared to the responses to the energy crisis of the 1970s. “People adjusted their habits, they bought smaller cars and drove less. This time around, I don’t see that.” A few teachers believe that today’s youngsters have less claim to complain than they did. “It’s not as bad now as it was,” Gerald Gruss said, recalling price hikes of his student days. “If you look at how much gas costs compared to what it used to, gas should cost even more.”