Perfectly Imperfect

When I was younger, I thought growing up meant that I had to have everything figured out step by step, down to a T. Little did I know that there was no way I could do that. Life throws you in so many different directions, and there’s no way to control it, no matter how hard you try. I am very much a perfectionist. I want to do everything all at once to the best of my ability. Growing up has fully changed my perspective on life — it’s messy and more meaningful, but it just shows that there’s more to life than trying to be perfect.

I thought growing up meant you had to become an adult the moment you turned a certain age. This idea can lead to insecurity, a loss of confidence, and uncertainty about where you actually belong. It also shows you who will stay when times get tough, and who will leave. It shows you who your true friends are and how you can become closer to people you don’t expect. It shows you that failure matters more than success, and that a bad grade does not determine your life — but how you overcome it does. It also shows you that independence isn’t what you think. It is not doing everything alone; it’s being able to ask for help and to learn maturity, which means accountability, not the perfection the world demands.

High school went by very quickly. I still remember every small moment from freshman year all the way to senior year, from the school dances to the science fair. The small moments go by so fast and matter more than you realize. So enjoy them as much as you can. Growing up isn’t always about becoming someone new; it’s finally understanding who you’ve been all along. I want to thank my parents, siblings, Mr. Carwin, and everyone else who has helped me become the person I am now.