Growing pains: Pressure of being a teen today

Shaniyahh Riddick

By Shaniyahh Riddick/Wiley High School

Being a teen in high school poses a lot of challenges. Many of us are searching for our identities, trying to belong, and striving for independence. When you add sports and other school activities, it puts even more pressure on teens.

A lot of adults think we are acting out and causing problems, but what we are really doing is navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Now that I have my first job, the pressure is really on. Everyone wants you to save money and tells you how to spend it responsibly — and we understand. But we’re not trying to be disrespectful or act out. Most of us are just trying to be kids a little longer and enjoy our friendships.

We know that soon we’ll be dealing with college or real-world responsibilities, so I think we sometimes try too hard to get our point across, and it pushes the boundaries of respect. And if you add in a romantic relationship, now you have the makings of one overwhelmed teenager. Most of us truly understand what’s expected of us — we’re just trying to enjoy the time we have left as children.