Getting your first car is a rite of passage, one that holds a deep significance in the lives of many. For Melissa Fredericks—known to millions as MrsKevOnStage—it was no different. Her first car wasn’t just a mode of transportation. It was her sanctuary, her place of reflection, and often her stage for a spiritual jam session. Now, she’s teaching her son to drive, using her own experiences and modern technology in her vehicle connected by OnStar to set him on the right course. Recently, Melissa shared her memories, music and the anxieties and joys of being a mother teaching her son to navigate the road.
Driving: Past, and Being Present
Melissa’s first car, a gray 1983 four-door sedan, may not have been the flashiest ride on the road, but it was the vehicle that carried her through a pivotal time in life. Growing up in a “churchy” household, secular music wasn’t a big part of her upbringing, but gospel music was always front and center.
“One of my favorite albums that I used to play out was Mary Mary’s “Shackles.” It felt like a summer song. It’s upbeat, and every time I hear it, it takes me back to high school,” she recalled.
Fast forward to today, Melissa has gone from reminiscing about being in school to teaching her college-aged son Isaiah how to drive. And like any parent teaching a child to operate a multi-ton machine, it’s a process filled with both patience and moments of panic.
“One thing I realized when teaching my son to drive is how much we take for granted when we’re behind the wheel. The road is always talking to you—you just need to be paying attention,” Melissa explained. In fact, she shared that one of the most valuable lessons she taught him was how to anticipate the road’s changes, like watching pedestrian crossing signals as a clue for when lights might change.
The OnStar Safety Net
As a mother, Melissa’s primary concern is her son’s safety, and she credits technology like OnStar for providing an added layer of protection.
“When you’re teaching someone to drive, you realize how much of a big deal driving actually is. We often take for granted that everybody’s going to follow the rules of the road. OnStar has been a peace of mind for me, knowing that there’s Roadside Assistance or 24/7 help in case of an emergency.”
Melissa shared a recent story about Isaiah visiting his college friends and losing track of time. When he wasn’t home by his usual time, her concern kicked in.
“I checked his location through the OnStar Guardian® app and I could see he was safe at school,” she explained. While she acknowledges the importance of giving him freedom, like most moms, Melissa still appreciates the assurance that technology offers, especially when her son is out driving.
The Role of Technology in Today’s Driving
Melissa also emphasized how different it is to teach a new driver today compared to when she first hit the road.
“Back then, we didn’t have GPS or hands-free driving. We had maps—real maps that we had to unfold and figure out while driving,” she laughed, marveling at how times have changed.
Now, with features like Super Cruise®, Melissa was able to introduce her son to assisted hands-free driving from the start.
“I believe in setting up the technology right away. It helps minimize distractions, and you’re not fumbling with it later while trying to drive,” she said, noting how these tools make the learning curve less steep for young drivers today.
OnStar as a Driving Companion
Melissa’s experience with OnStar has extended beyond teaching her son. It’s also provided her with personal peace of mind.
“I’ve been known to push it to the limit with my gas tank,” she admitted with a chuckle. But knowing that OnStar has her back in case she ever runs out of gas, or needs roadside assistance, gives her the reassurance she needs as a busy mom and professional.
In fact, the importance of roadside assistance became even more apparent when her son made a rookie mistake—putting diesel fuel in his car, locking up the engine while she and her husband were out of town.
“Roadside Assistance from OnStar helped us out, and knowing my child was taken care of while we weren’t physically there was a huge relief.”
Passing on the Wisdom
As Melissa continues to guide her son through his driving journey, she knows that the lessons she imparts will stick with him long after he’s mastered his driving skills. Whether it’s through the latest driving technology or good old-fashioned advice to keep his eyes on the road, she’s instilling in him the tools to be a confident, safe driver.
Melissa’s journey from navigating the road in her first car to teaching her son to drive in a tech-driven world is a reflection of growth, love and the responsibility of a parent making sure their kids are safe. And with OnStar on her side, the road ahead looks a lot less daunting.
