Mindscapes - Adolescent Expression | [Essay] Are we there yet? A quick peek into the debate in young minds.

Based on what I have been told by my teachers, parents, and other adults in my life, it is clear that some of them expect teens to behave in a certain way and demonstrate a clear change in their behavior if they want to improve. They tell me that teens are temperamental, prone to risky actions, and rebellious. In addition, I was told that the teenager mind is still being developed and they should be aware of how it is actively shaping who they will become throughout their adulthood, as well as impact the rest of their life. I am not sure if I am completely in agreement with that. While there is some degree of truth behind it, I also believe that teenagers are capable of putting clear thought behind most of their actions and think rationally, while also being rebellious at the same time. As a teenager, I believe that as we begin to make our own decisions, such actions are not just influenced by our age alone, but also by external factors or our circumstances, and a natural drive to assert and demonstrate our independence.  

I have been advised on multiple occasions by my parents, teachers and relatives that I am in the formative years of my life where I mature into the person I will be as an adult, and it is time to start taking responsibility and learn to make decisions for myself. I am reminded constantly that myself and teens of my age are at a point where our decisions and actions can be guided and monitored by adults to teach us right from wrong in the real-world settings. I concur and strongly maintain that teens should start accepting that by making their own decisions , and also owning the consequences that come with such decisions. Teens should be allowed to take risks, as we will learn directly the outcomes of the actions we make, and face resulting repercussions, should there be any. 

I am realizing through my interactions and observations with my friends and peers that bad decisions are mostly due to circumstances and our reading about it rather than the age as some may think. For example, a friend of mine, who I know to be quite intelligent and logical, found herself in a situation where she was forced to make a decision that she knew wasn’t very good. In other similar situations, where she may have had the time to weigh her options, she would have made a decision that reflects well on clear rationality. This leads me to believe that, while the teenage mind is a bit more impressionable and prone to questionable behavior, it is most likely not the sole reason for bad behavior. I have seen adults also make terrible choices, and in most cases situations and circumstances drive poor behavior. Thus teenagers age and the fact that their minds can be more impressionable, and vulnerable to outside influence are not always the only reasons for bad decisions or behaviors. 

Take, for example, the stubborn or rebellious nature that is usually associated with teenagers. I see first-hand in my peers that rebelliousness and risky behaviors are not uncommon, and their behaviors may adversely affect them and the people around them if they are not careful. However, in most cases I believe that their act of rebelliousness is an action that is displayed in certain situations to assert themselves to their parents and teachers, or to prove to themselves that they’re capable. I think that as teenagers, we all understand the consequences of such behaviors. Despite that, in most cases we still act out as such actions were not done solely with ill intent, but with a determination to prove others wrong about us as individuals. 

In conclusion, while teens do sometimes live up to their stereotype, it does not mean that teens simply choose to ‘not listen’ to the advice of their parents and other adults in their life. The variety of different experiences that a teen may encounter teaches them how to navigate similar interactions that may occur in their future. One example that caught my attention was the second Inside Out movie. The main character, Riley, is shown growing up and learning more about herself as she begins to experience more complex emotions. In the movie, her main conflict revolves around a hockey tryout camp, where she struggles with anxiety and feels pressure to make the team her top priority, even at the cost of staying true to herself. This story resonated well with me because it reflects my own internal conflicts as volleyball tryouts approach this year. While I may not experience my emotions as intensely as the film portrays, I can definitely relate to some of the feelings Riley goes through, and I know many teens face similar struggles. Teenagers are growing, both physically and mentally, and as they discover themselves and go through the journey, their actions may seem out of character and unpredictable. Eventually, just as Riley was able to settle and find her place, most teenagers will be able to as well. With time and experience, teenagers will respond to situations more maturely and learn to be independent and self-assured in their decision making. 

~ Aarthi ~