By Toriola Quareebah Ayomide
Have you ever looked at someone your age and wondered why they seem to have everything figured out while you are still trying to understand your own life? I’m sure many teenagers can relate because I remember feeling the same way when I was a teenager.
Also read: Mother Nature
Perhaps someone your age finished school early, gained admission to a university, won a scholarship or an award, or discovered what they want to become. Meanwhile, you are still trying to understand your interests, strengths, and direction.
At an age when my peers wanted to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other well-known professionals, I felt stuck. I believed that discovering what you want to become starts with knowing what you are good at and what interests you.
Growing up comes with many expectations. There is pressure to perform well academically, make good friends, discover your talents, choose a career/">career path, and become someone your family and society can be proud of. Sometimes, these expectations become even more overwhelming when we compare our progress with that of others.
I never wanted to become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. I was not doing particularly well academically, either. After finishing secondary school, I was still struggling to decide what I wanted to become. I had forgotten something I enjoyed during my school years: writing. It had not occurred to me that writing could become a profession. I later discovered that there are many paths beyond the familiar careers we often hear about. You can build a meaningful future by recognising and developing your own interests and abilities.
One important lesson every teenager needs to understand is that life is not a competition. Everyone’s journey is different.
Social media has made comparison even easier. Within a few minutes of scrolling, you may see someone celebrating an academic achievement or travelling to a new place. What you may not see are the challenges, disappointments, sacrifices and uncertainties behind those moments.
Comparing your everyday reality with someone else’s highlights can therefore be unfair to yourself.
Another important thing to remember is that discovering yourself takes time. You do not have to know everything about your future at fifteen, sixteen or seventeen. It is perfectly normal to explore different interests, make mistakes, change your mind and learn new things about yourself.
Instead of spending your time worrying about what others have achieved, invest that energy in becoming a better version of yourself. Taking a different path does not mean you are failing.
Some people discover their talents early, while others need more time and experience. Neither journey makes one person more valuable than another. You are not behind; you are growing at your own pace.
Leave a Comment