Growing Up With No Manual

By: M. Bitran

​Growing up is something no one truly prepares you for. When you are young your dream to become an adult happens slowly, then, all of a sudden. As a child, the world feels simple - days are filled with playing, imagination, and a sense that everything will somehow be okay. Your biggest concerns might be sharing toys or having to go to bed early. But as you grow older, these terms begin to change.

Responsibilities start to pile up. There are expectations from school, family, and even yourself. Suddenly, your time isn’t fully your own anymore. You’re told to think about the future - careers, college, goals, as if you already have the answers. But most of the time, you’re still just figuring it out.

It can feel overwhelming trying to balance everything, as if you’re always racing the clock trying to hand in the perfect essay, or assignment on time. Some days are frustrating, and the its hard to deal with the pressure, but still, you must keep going.

Yet, with all these changes, there are things you gain. You get to experience freedom, and choose whatever path you want to follow. Independence is also very important. You learn how to deal with these obstacles many times by yourself, and as you grow older, these challenged are what make you stronger.

The terms and conditions of life don’t come printed out. You figure them out through experience. And maybe, part of growing up is learning to live life without a manual.