As an adolescent, you may have heard the phrase “You’re still living your childhood,” from any adult with whom you may have spoken. As adolescents, we have had little experience, but we’re learning every day. As a generation, we are learning to forge our own paths in life, but this has led to the stereotype that we are impulsive and lack maturity. Adults may have an advantage in knowing more about the actual world and the various problems life brings forth for them. We may know nothing about them, but they disregard the fact that we, as teens, are living in a different period of life. As a result, I cite these quotes uttered by students who have had similar experiences.
“It’s not just about me, but the ones around me too.”
Several people fight for what they want but at times you need to fight for what you need over that want. There have been several times where I have been given the choice to fulfil wants that I wouldn’t get a chance to obtain again, but having prioritised my needs, I have learned to give them up.As a teen, I realised that wants no matter how tempting to achieve, will be momentary. The need of the hour is what our mind should concentrate on.
“You don’t have to run for anyone’s validation.”
For the longest time possible, I haven’t been able to find the right friend who could provide me the validation and reassurance one should give. But I realised that you don’t have to look for validation but rather look for the person. You cannot ask for validation and gain it the very next moment. The right person provides you that reassuring smile, none of the others would.
“You need to survive alone, speak alone, and stand alone.”
Several people would disagree with the line stated above, and you are not wrong. You do not have to be alone while fighting all these challenges against life. What I mean to say is that you stand alone against the battles with yourself. You speak for yourself because you are the only one who can word out your emotions the best. These realisations may be known to many on paper but only when you experience such thing, can you know the depths of it.
“Be there for yourself and hang in there.”
Friends, family and your teachers will always be there to motivate you, help you and cheer you on. As a teen, this has been a great part of my happiness. But I haven’t found more comfort, reassurance and peace in anyone but myself. Rather than depending on others, I have learnt to be my own support system, because life will come without warning and you need to know how to cover foryourself if no one else can.
To sum up all that has been stated so far, adolescence is a crucial time of self-discovery and growth. We learn valuable lessons, learn to prioritize our needs, and find reassurance from within realising that validation from others is not always necessary. Challenges shape us into better versions of ourselves. In adulthood, we can set our own pace and prioritize personal growth, leading to resilience and confidence. Empowered, we make meaningful contributions to the world.
by Bhavya Mimani, XI C2
