Teenage brains are stuffed. Stuffed full of future thoughts. Constantly being peppered with questions from relatives about what your next years hold. Looking back on years past, it all seemed so simple. Go to a state school, graduate, and get a 9-5 job. But now, there are options. It isn’t a straight path. This begs the question, are teenag

ers even able to stay in this decade? 

It’s a funny feeling, really, being the ones that are now searching for our futures. Your family tells you that you’re in the best years of your life, yet, they constantly push you out of the “best years.” The juxtaposed feeling of moving forward while wanting to stay in place. Keeping your adolescence close to your heart is difficult, but not impossible. Growing up can be overwhelming, and one of the best ways to overcome the feeling of moving too fast is to take a breath, and slow down. Step back into the comfort of favorite childhood movies, games, and friends. Acknowledging your younger self is the key to staying in your teenage years while looking forward to your future. The Talon believes that teenagers deserve the right to be teenagers. To not be bogged down with questions and applications. The freedom of being a teenager is something that can not be recreated. Enjoying your childhood may seem like a distant memory you’re searching for, but when you are able to accept the whimsy and carelessness back into your life, your teenage years will follow. It is not too late to begin enjoying your adolescence; in fact, it’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself. You can’t be everything you want right now, so slow down, you’re doing fine.