If you have been anywhere lately, I'm sure you've seen several cell phones, or "wireless wonders" as I like to call them. The cell-phone trend has swept across the nation like an epidemic, giving many people a source of communication regardless of time, location or distance.

Mobile phones can trace their roots to the combination of Alexander Graham Bell's telephone and Nikola Tesla's radio. The amazing gadget is actually an extremely sophisticated radio; who wouldn't want one? I have so far been deprived of the device due to my parents' resistance but, as the saying goes, times change.

I recently turned 16, and my need for a cell phone increased. Unfortunately, my parents were against the idea from the start. Being the determined girl I am, I tried hinting, I tried devising ingenious plans, I even looked for superior phone deals to mention to my parents.

My mom liked to use the same outrageous excuse every time we had the discussion. "You will be distracted from your driving duties. You'll reach for the phone and have a wreck!"

I then would retort, "In the case that I do ever get in a wreck, for any reason whatsoever, I will have a trusty cell phone to call for help with." Unable to argue with my clever comeback, my dad would throw out a crazy idea like, "Mobile phones may harm your health, and possibly even cause cancer." The opposing viewpoints flew back and forth every time the topic arose. Sick of arguing and thinking the battle was over, I eventually gave up.

Lucky for me, my family celebrates Christmas. On the fateful morning of Dec. 25, I carefully opened every gift. Only one box remained under the tree. By this time, all hope was lost; there was no way I would be getting a cell phone. Lo and behold, it was in the last box! I was amazed that my parents gave in. Furthermore, I was extremely grateful that they did. I am proud to say that I have convinced my parents that cell phones are creditable creations, worthy of at least some acknowledgement.

I was obviously behind the times, but I just wanted to share my story for anyone out there who is in the same situation I had found myself in. My message is, don't give up! Hang in there, and remember: Christmas is only eight months away!

Jodie Gipson is a student at Jackson High School.