As a teenager, I have yet to realise that there were times when I used to think I was always right. Sometimes, I still do. It is often a flaw that the youth normally has, probably something that we develop in terms of yearning to be young and old at the same time. Walking that thin line between the graces of youth and the ‘maturity’ as an adult somehow makes a teenager feel invincible.
Decisions are still made for us, in which we deliberately reject most of the times, whether it be in action or in thoughts–and yet, there will come a time when enlightenment will come.
I have discovered that I am my own person, yes, but I would never be quite who I am without the guidance of those around me, the influence of my society, etc. etc. I am not saying that these factors are meant to restrain our capabilities, but rather this is to point out that everything–no matter what the circumstances may be–should always be a learning opportunity.
There are struggles–whether it be race, religion, social class or personal fears in which we are all bound to. Sometimes, we feel the need to break free… Other times, it feels okay to stick to the status quo. If there is one paradoxical thing about living, it’s that we are all given a choice that would seem like we had made freely and yet not free at all. It is a result of our upbringing, our principles that are shaped by how we grew up to be and yet, we call it our own.
And yes. It is our own. For whatever it is that we stick to or try to break free from, it is who we are and only us ourselves could decide if we will use the person that we’ve become to be better or worst.
If I were to suggest something, it would be to become that ‘factor’ in someone’s life who would shape that person to be better. Be that person who uses whatever it is laid down our feet to our advantage, to make us stronger and smarter despite how difficult circumstances may be.
Be that person who believes that we have a role to play in this world and that is to make it a better place to live in.
About the Author
Amanda Bernadette Arambulo is currently an Organizational Communication student from De La Salle University-Manila, Philippines. Usually found composing songs, reading, writing stories or blogging, she’s a young lady with a great passion for novelty. Her lifelong dream is to help make a change in the world, one small step at a time. Can be defined using tons of different opposing adjectives, she calls herself ‘a paradox in motion’.
