My family is the type that gets behind the wheel and tears up the lanes at an excess of 170 mph.

No, we’re not a gang of ruthless lawbreakers and we are not the ones who tailgate you all the way down the 405 Freeway.

For as long as I can remember, I have gone to the drag races to watch my dad, uncle and grandfather race their vintage dragsters.

It is something I am proud of doing, and would never dream of abandoning not only because of my love of the sport, but because it is something that has stayed in my childhood as something I always loved doing.

Even though I am in college, I feel staying close with my good memories and continuing the tradition of attending every race I can because of the enjoyment I get from it is doing a great thing for myself, as it relaxes me when I’m submerged in a world of stress due to homework, research papers and exams.

As people get older, however, they sometimes lose touch with their childhood memories.

There are some things, such as playing with toys or throwing tantrums that one must get over in order to grow up and eventually cross over into adulthood.

This does not mean one needs to abandon old memories or traditions in order to become an adult.

Many often give up and cast away an annual family vacation or event in the close-minded ideology that just because it began in childhood; it is a sign of immaturity.

More people need to take the time to remember their childhood and should not feel that traditions that started in their past have to remain there.

There are some things people never outgrow, and there is no shame in participating in certain routines or events.

As long as one can distinguish between childish behavior and childhood in general, it is OK to partake in certain things.

People often give up what could be beneficial to them, such as a hobby or a valuable experience, just because they “were just little kids” when they first became interested in it.

Carrying on with certain experiences can help one grow, or, like me, it can calm them.

My grandfather, for example, is 73 years old and he continues to attend drag races and help my dad and uncle with their cars, even though it was something he was interested in since he was much younger.

He provides us with much insight we could never have dreamed of had he given up on the sport.

The more I attend races, the more I discover myself and learn new things that I am interested in, and in no way do I feel this is a disservice to myself.

People should embrace their childhood and never feel as though they are superior to it just because they have aged.

Being older does not mean the past is useless or futile; childhood experiences and memories can always be drawn from, and if it is something that can be carried on, one should try to stick with it as long as possible.

After all, there is no need to grow old, especially in mind and in spirit, if it is not necessary just yet.

Childhood memories are everlasting.