Teenagers

Adolescence or puberty is that phase where physical and psychological changes occur. We are actually growing up physically, mentally and emotionally. Youth is a stage where we desire for affection, fun and craze. We are always ready to try new fad so as to quench our thirst and that is why, nowadays, teenagers are smoking, taking drugs, drinking, swearing and dating. All this is inexperienced for them and new things are always exciting! Growing up is not synonym of maturity, thus, teenagers are not mellow enough to understand that all these new “stuffs” are radically destroying them.

Teens normally do not acknowledge and analyse the depth of a situation or a problem, but still they want to solve each difficulty like superheroes, quickly and in the easiest way possible. Being human is an emotional experience ; we all have our moments of happiness, sadness, anxiety and a myriad of other feelings, but as we grow older, we develop the skills we need to manage stress. Being a teen is difficult! We are a divided self. On one hand, we need to forge our identity in society; while on the other hand, we need to shoulder responsibilities. Sometimes we are confused and frustrated! Other times we are overwhelmed and adventurous! No matter how much we undergo, there will always be a light ticking in our mind that we have a career to build. Stop having fun now!
When I interviewed some teens about how they feel and cope with their lives, this is what they answered:
Zaiyaan (16 yrs): “As a teen I feel determined about my future. But with the school life: its syllabus, the homework’s and the teachers it’s difficult. There are also social bonds that we as teen have to maintain, at the same time, some conflicts between parents and us, due to the generation gap..I try to cope with all these by giving the best of myself and try to find a balance among all these. Tameer (16 yrs):” Am proud to be a teenager and profit of these times the very most I can, because lot of people keep telling me that they miss theirs”
Nushat (17yrs):” Life is hard for me, we are actually facing some familial problems and it’s difficult to cope with it but am trying to keep cool so as not to take the wrong decision.”

Kimberly (15yrs):” There are lots of pressures! Especially because of Cambridge exams...When I think about it, am scared about my future”

Nishta (15yrs):” life is great! Am surrounded by friends and my boyfriend! Until now it’s going well!”

Some teens are drifting away from the right path maybe because of peer pressure’s influence or tensions. One way or another they will realize their “bloopers”. Some people say
“By the time they realize their mistakes, it would be too late” honestly, I oppose these kinds of views. It is never “too late to reform”
To surmount problems, some teens take the advice of friends or close ones, while others take the help of music to feel better, relieving their body and soul as music expresses their feelings and thoughts.

If we compare teens of long ago and now, there’s a big difference. The percentage pass of CPE of 2003 was 62.60% and 2012 was 76.44%, we can conclude that with the advanced development of technologies, education facilities and other means, students are achieving gradually in academic. But in manners wise, teens have always been a little impulsive, enthusiastic and energetic. Today’s generations are more rebellious, and this is proved by the alarming scene that had occurred in Florida, More than 200 teenagers descended at Lauderhill Mall to be involved in a brawl which was planned on facebook and twitter.

Adolescence is a complicated matter that cannot be accurately defined. Adolescence cuts across time and society. Each individual lives it differently but the best way is to do things that allow us to feel proud of ourselves. Teenage cycle is the most critical chapter in a person’s life. It is where the individual starts to fray a path in association to indentify and prove his worth.
Subsequently, it remains as a stage to fraught with obstacles and difficulties, depending on social background and family life. Unaware of tomorrow, we live for the present, just like wiz khalifa said “we are young, wild and free!” However, despite being swayed by modernity, teens should constantly be advised and take the advice of elders in order to keep away from temptation and vicious circles as drugs and evil deeds.

By Pookhan Najaah.