As we grow, the inevitable question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” has been asked numerous times. Most likely, what you wanted to be when you were little is extremely different from what you want to be now.
Although you may not always know what you want, and the closer you get to adulthood, the scarier it gets. Not knowing what college to apply to, not knowing what you want to major in, or really what you want in life when you’re surrounded by others who are already dead-set on what they want to do can make you anxious and question yourself entirely.
But this too is a rite of passage; a regular part of growing up that we must all learn how to navigate.
To get a perspective on someone who’s in this stage between finally stepping into adulthood in this part of her life, I spoke with Longdee Gressy, a senior getting ready for her next big step in life.
Longdee is hard-working and has been through many challenges during her last four years of school.
I’ve chosen to interview her as she’s learned to be determined through her years and stay positive – qualities many of us share.
Longdee explained some of her biggest breakthroughs before finally entering adulthood for good was taking a leap at what she believes is possible.
“One of my biggest breakthroughs was realizing I want to be a pilot. I knew I could work towards it right now than rather finding out later, when it might’ve been too late.”
She also shared that something that is beautiful about teenage years; the freedom and the connections she has made along the way.
She gave some advice to her underclassmen who are just beginning their high school journey.
“My advice to my underclassmen is to put yourself out there and not be afraid to cut negativity out of your life.”
Her experience shows how life lessons in our teenage years shape who we are and understand exactly where we want to be in life.
Even though we may think we have life figured out because we have known which college we want to go to, or what job we want, life doesn’t always go the way we want it to.
Adulthood isn’t just about working and money, it’s much more than that. It’s about the ups and downs in life and how you can deal with them on your own – to make the best of it. It’s about learning who you are and the person you want to be on your own terms.
These challenges shape us more than our successes, as they teach us strength, patience, and understanding in ways we don’t always recognize at first.
“Life is what you make it. The mindset you have will create the experience that you have. It is always a choice how you view what you go through,” said Mr. Ashmeade, who shared his thoughts on his rite of passage to inspire those in their teenage years.
Mr. Ashmeade explains that even when life feels unfair, our perspectives determine how we experience and overcome challenges.
Mr. Ashmeade added that every decision and reaction we make helps shape the person we’re becoming.
He said that even in adulthood you are still learning who you are and dealing with experiences you may not have planned.
“I am still learning. The more we experience reveals who we are, so every challenge, every downfall, and every victory shows a different side of you,” he said. “Life doesn’t get easier, but you will learn how to manage and cope with different situations that come your way. Through experience, you’ll learn.”
Mr. Ashmeade’s words remind us that our rite of passage doesn’t stop after high school. Growing up is not a single moment, but a lifelong journey of change, reflection, and resilience. Even as adults, we continue to discover new parts of ourselves through every challenge we face.
In the end, growing up isn’t about crossing one finish line, it’s about entering numerous stages of our life; each one leading us closer to who we’re meant to be.
Our rite of passage doesn’t just make special moments. They shape it by molding our fears into strength and our mistakes into wisdom.
From the refreshing freedom in our teenage years to the subtle understanding of adulthood, every experience becomes a chapter in our story.
Like Longdee and Mr. Ashmeade remind us, life is what we make of it. It’s a journey of learning, falling, getting back up, and realizing that even when life feels uncertain, we are still becoming and growing into the people we’re meant to be.
