My first solo was in a K13 glider at Booker, High Wycombe; aged 50. It had taken 80 or more instructional flights, and when the instructor got out and said go by yourself, but I will be watching from the ground, and I want to see you do a stall and recovery.....! ! ! !
I thought "If I am P1 and by myself, I certainly do not intend to do a stall and recovery, I will do exactly what I want...and I will never forget the elation driving home on the M40, thinking all those arrogant drivers can stuff their attitudes, I am a SOLO PILOT!
(and after that flew more than 3,000 hours....as instructor, PPL, tug pilot, competition pilot....what fun altogether! Still flying, but now a safety pilot is required to suffer with me)
Sadly, many people cannot afford to fly power much after going solo, due to lack of cash or lack of time. And to tell the truth, flying in a straight line from A to B is boring!