Tag: life lesson

Too Old or Too Young?

Posted on by Eri
The smaller pineapple may feel inferior to the big pineapple. However, once you eat them, you realize that they both taste the same. Comparison is, thus, unnecessary and do what makes you a happy pineapple.

Whenever I join something, I either feel as if I am too young or too old. When will I be in the right position?

Joining tennis camp as a 7th grader in middle school, all the other kids were either seniors in high school or 3rd graders. I did not feel as if I fit into either group, where I told myself: “One day, I will be old enough.”

However, now being in high school, I still do not feel in place. I am once again in the same position I was in when I was in 7th grade, except now people around me are either in middle school or are in college. It is difficult for me to find my own age range, especially when my interests are varied.

I feel uncomfortable because being older than everyone gives me the feeling that I have to be more responsible or knowledgeable than the younger generation. On the other hand, being younger in a group makes me unable to relate to them as much and understand their life, making it harder for me to connect with the group.

How do I fix this? First step is, is there anything to fix? People may be in this situation until they are 80 years old, and who knows? Maybe this is life.

Instead of using the phrase “this is life” to push everything aside, it is significant to understand that it is ok to be in this position. No one is to blame, no one is to feel guilt, and no one is to feel bad. Everyone grows at their own pace, and everyone has their own lives. For example, when I was in art camp, I felt very old compared to my peers. I was embarrassed to be around them because I was older. Yet looking back at photos, I realized that I was only two years older than them. Two years may have seemed like the end of the world for me back in the past, but looking back, the art produced was memorable. Comparing myself to my peers made me not like the camp more, where I should have enjoyed it for its purpose: making art.

Comparing oneself with others is very hard to overcome, and trust me, I understand. To get your mind around it, I suggest to think about the purpose of your activity, of your camp, or of your class. Think about why you signed up or are there, and what benefit could come out of it. Yes, those who are younger may be in the same boat together and you may feel left out, but as long as you come out with the outcome that you strived for in the first place, you can guarantee yourself that you have accomplished your initial goal. And who knows, you may enjoy the presence of those younger than you in the class or listen to what they are saying. Whatever makes you smile, sign up for it.

High School: Bad Moment?

Posted on by Eri

Did you “peak” in high school? Should you feel excitement or terror when entering in your past high school? What experience should we be having or what expectations should we put forth for high school?

These questions are often answered in movies. The popular girl peaks, is excited for school everyday, adores everyone, and expects high school to be all-around a fun place. However, being an upcoming junior in high school, I did not feel that way. I am currently on summer break, where today I went back to school to go have a club meeting. Walking through my high school hallways and not used to being in school, I felt social pressure and terror throughout my body. My confidence went down, and I was convinced that I never wanted to return.

I have a small number of friends who are often busy and not many acquaintances. Introverted, I do not like a big social scene, and thus high school lunches are not my forte. Seeing everyone else excited to return to school, my stomach twists. I get disappointed because I do not feel the same way, making me feel left out.

Now some say that high school is just a couple of years and life will get better, but other say it will get worse. Some even explain how life will be the same. I understand that you make your own life and the future relies on your choices. Acknowledging that, however, does not help me realize my future potential.

Knowing that I will forget majority of my class in the future does not help me get through the day. It helped me for a temporary amount of time, but after that, I once again feel hopeless in high school.

Personally, high school is better than middle school. I have closer, more genuine friends that I can trust. Yet I still feel out of place. When will I find my place, and will I ever?

That is a question that I ask myself, questioning when I can answer it.

Overall, the movies do not often show everyone’s high school experience. I do not feel in place, and I question whether my future will get better. The lesson to be learned from this is tough to realize, especially for me. I understand now that even though I feel out of place and do not want to be in high school, I must live my life day by day. I must tell myself to constantly try new activities or do something to enjoy to distract from the “bad moment in time.”

Top College

Posted on by Eri

“My father got into the University of Chicago and my mother got a 99 percentile on her MCAT,” explains a high school student. “How about you?”

Having smart parents, I was willing to share where my parents went to college. They went to competitive state schools, and I was proud of them. Nevertheless, the student looked down on me when I told them this information, making me feel insecure about my own successful parents and my future.

The student proceeds to explain how he is in orchestra, three clubs, and difficult classes; he still feels underachieved. Comparing myself, I am barely in two clubs and I do one sport. The fact that the student claimed that his overachieving and packed schedule is not enough made me reflect on my life and how I have been spending my time.

As the day went on, however, I realized how I was associating the number of clubs/activities to my value of life. Going to Harvard is not going to make someone a better person than another. Although it may show integrity in that person’s work, that does not mean that the Harvard graduate is having a better life.

What is the point of going to a “good” college? Will it guarantee a “better” life? What does “better life” mean?

Everyone has their own definition of what the meaning of life is. Personally, I believe that happiness is the goal in life. People work hard to achieve happiness or go entertain themselves to do so. They either slack in school or work hard to make themselves to feel better. Of course, I am generalizing and this case may not be for everyone, and I am setting aside the necessities for survival (including food, water, and shelter). However, I do believe that people work for happiness and strive for that. As a result, getting the perfect number of clubs to get into Harvard will not guarantee a happy life. Some people come out of Harvard miserable, where one school does not define a person entirely. Some may enjoy life more at a less rigorous school, and others may enjoy Harvard. Bottom line is, don’t overly stress about getting into the top school because it does not measure the amount of happiness one will get in life.

Morning in Milwaukee

Posted on by Eri

Have you ever woken up to a bright morning with great weather, just to find out that you have so much to do?

I often run into this case, and seeing all the innocent children run around having fun makes me want to just go on in and join. Little do we know that life moves on and we can’t always have what we want. However, just because people are aging does not mean we can enjoy life like kids.

Personally, I found a strategy of coping with this type of problem. To wake up and think, “Wow, I have so much to do today, I feel overwhelmed!” makes one feel stressed. Instead, think to yourself: “Ok, what’s the first thing I need to do today?” And do your tasks in chunks. Take small breaks in between like walking around your room or eating some snacks. By the time night falls or your completed all your work, you have the whole next day or night to simply enjoy life. Look out the window, create projects, plant, learn new recipes. Media today, including Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook has caused, especially teens, to be caught up on their phones. Encourage yourself and others to get off because life is not going to last a while. Check Instagram at night or in the morning, and then proceed your day with fun activities and productivity.

Any other tips for coping with a lot of work to get that eventual freedom of play? This is my first post and I hope to continue to write my insights on what I observe stretching to a variety of topics! Thanks for reading:)