A Psychologist's Journey Through Controversy and Long Drives

A psychologist travels extensively across Arizona to see her patients, fulfilling Social Security disability psychological assessments that demand intense focus and compassion. Initially, these long drives drained her energy, but the introduction of her Tesla Cybertruck, affectionately named Brick House, has changed that dynamic, allowing her to arrive at her appointments refreshed.

Her interest in Tesla began during her time as a doctoral student commuting weekly from Phoenix to Tucson, where she often found herself battling exhaustion on the long road trips. The innovation of self-driving cars captured her imagination, reminiscent of the futuristic vehicles from her favorite childhood show, "The Jetsons." In 2021, she leased a Tesla Model 3, which she called Ma'Lady, and together they traveled over 35,000 miles, making her long commutes far less burdensome.

After her Model 3 lease concluded, she eagerly awaited the arrival of her reservation for the Cybertruck, which she deemed essential for her work. Despite the ongoing controversies surrounding Tesla and its CEO, she felt compelled to make the purchase due to the superior self-driving technology, realizing its importance for her health and stress management after a medical scare.

However, driving the Cybertruck has led to mixed reactions from the public. While children express excitement and admiration for her unique vehicle, adults often respond with hostility, associating her car choice with Elon Musk's controversial public persona. The negative reactions range from rude gestures while driving to friends refusing to join her in the Cybertruck.

Despite the backlash, the psychologist emphasizes that her vehicle's purpose is not a statement, but rather one of necessity for safety and stress reduction on the challenging roads of Arizona. The advanced technology in the Cybertruck significantly alleviates the toll of extensive driving, ensuring a safer experience on narrow and busy highways. While she contemplates the future and potential alternatives that align with her values, for now, she is focused on the benefits her Cybertruck provides in her daily professional life.