11:11 on 11/11, I find myself reminiscing my life as a middle schooler as One Direction’s “Story of my Life” plays quietly from my phone. I remember when I would watch the music video on TeenNick’s Top 10, and sing each lyric in what I would hope was perfect harmony in the living room. Oh, to be that child once more. (sighs) Once again, much like most of my time, I find myself asking, why do we have to grow up?
As a small child, most can’t wait to grow into adolescence and then adulthood. The ignorance of reality that comes with being a child is a true blessing in disguise. No worrying about politics, laws, and presidential elections, just wondering if there is enough snacks to last the whole movie.
Oftentimes, I have taken my youth for granted. I miss being naïve and needy. I miss being cared for and looked after. I miss being simply clueless. But, I will only have to miss those things because now is the time where I must teach the naïve, care for the youth and make sure they aren’t too clueless.
The world’s changing and most children don’t have the luxury of being children anymore. They have to wave at their parents behind bars, never knowing when they can be held by them again. They have to be taught at a young age that they aren’t socially accepted. They have to worry about things no child should ever have to worry about.
I know for a fact that me and many other teens of this generation can say that growing up is scary. The inevitable fate that is right around the corner mocks and taunts us. With each passing day, I become closer to that inevitable fate. But, I will not worry about it.
I will enjoy being a teenager. I will make mistakes that I will learn from. I will enjoy each moment with no regrets because each moment will be celebrated. Those moments will become memories that I will look back on to tell the next generation when they fear they’re growing older.
I will be kind to those around me who struggle. I will try with each living breath in my body to make the world a little more tolerable. No kid should have adult fears while they are barely out of diapers. I want the next generation to experience the luxury of teenagehood. I want them to find their song that brings great memories and joy. I want to change the world so that my younger siblings won’t have to worry how I worry about them.
One Word. One Smile. One Change at a Time.
Don’t forget to moisturize for youthful skin friends,
A Girl Who Refuses To Be Afraid
