Part 2/10:
With a stubborn resolve and no parental guidance to negotiate a better deal, I paid a staggering $29,000 out of pocket for the Mustang. In hindsight, I recognize the folly of the choice: I was swept away by youthful desire and ignored the valuable insights my parents could have provided. The thrill of driving my bright yellow Mustang turned sour quickly as I faced unexpected backlash from my peers. Accusations of being a "spoiled international student" underscored a problem I hadn't anticipated: my self-worth became inexplicably tied to my car.