growing up

Growing up. Sounds easy? Think again. Dwell upon it, do you not agree that
it takes and gives so much anger, frustrations, love, joy, complications,
expectations, etc. Frankly, growing up takes much, and I repeat, much more
effort than required to push a stalled bus back to life all by yourself.

Since the beginning of time, it was decided by the Almighty, that every
being should and must go through a metamorphosis (physically especially,
besides emotionally, mentally and spiritually). Adam and Eve accepted of
course, not realising that that was the root of all malaise. What is it like
being the age you are? Do you wish that you were younger? Older? Or do you
just don't give two hoots about it, age is just a number? Ponder.

Remember the time when you were still a baby? What a silly question, of
course you don't. Never mind, no worries, I'll brief you while you check
with your Mommy and Daddy. When you were brought into this world, the nurses
laid you in the gentle, secure arms of your parents, their faces portrayed
those of pride and joy, while you, oblivious to your surroundings, were
screaming your pitiful lungs out. This scene would have taken place even if
you were born with three arms, five legs and fine purple hair, trust me. On
that day, they vowed to give you the very best they can, and to love you
unconditionally, come what may.

As weeks passed, they 'toilet-trained' you, fed you, clothed you and kept
you safe. They were overjoyed when you first uttered 'mama' and 'papa', but
sighed to themselves when when you learned to walk. Your first step towards
freedom.

After a child's first birthday, everything happens too fast to comprehend,
to the parents at least. In a wink, a toddler would have learnt how to tie
his shoelace, button his shirt and memorise the emergency numbers.

Kindergarten, would have been a breeze for the noisy, boisterous and
extrovert kind but definitely not so for mommy's boy. Colouring, drawing and
singing is every child's favourite while writing and and counting very much
detested. It is at this period of time that feelings and emotions of these
young ones (yes, yes you were an angel once) develop and surface.

Bullying, sharing and bad-mouthing are considered normal scenarios in such a
place. It is things like these that bring home grouses such as "Mommy, I
hate Emily, I hate Justin. I hate everybody. I don't wanna go to school
tomorrow and forever and ever!" "Why?" The ever so patient mother asks.
"Well, Emily and Justin and the rest...they.." Boo hoo hoo. A trail of
dafening wails ensue and the kid doesn't complete his sentence. And, as a
parent, they are obliged to justify their child's reasons and excuses,
however dumb and senseless they may sound.

Next follows a trip to the kindergarten, warning each classmate to behave,
especially Emily and Justin, besides having a word with the already
overworked staff. Silly parents, if I may say so. What was going through
their mainds? Did they really expect to see a sudden change in the attitude
of the bratty classmates? They must be off their rockers! Out of their
cotton-picking minds!Because, from now onwards not only the child suffer
when it comes to dealing with a resembling situation by being spoon-fed like
this (kinda reminds you of our education system, don't you think?), the
child would also be shunned out of games and such. The kid's self-esteem is
at stake and the parent or guardian's action of showing up in school wasn't
a boost. Not at all.

With all these scars from a very young age, the child moves on to primary
school. Here, the child assumes a sense of importance, what with the uniform
and all. The first few days may result in some reluctance and uncertainty,
but mostly sooner, rather than later, they will adapt. After all, they're
kids, and it's a proven fact that they pick up and accept much easier and
faster. Being a kid, life is fun with no worries, at least not as much as an
individual depending on our public transport. Hakuna matatta.

Then comes the serious, no-hanky-panky secondary session. It is at this
phase that character developement will take a distinct turn, either towards
a brightly lit highway or a narrow, bumpy journey. True meanings of love,
life and friendship will reveal itself to the young intelligent ones.

One of the most important decisions to make, happens when you have to choose
your friends. At this point you can afford to be a little bias and stingy
when it comes to praise when judging someone. All this because, friends can
either make or break you. Having a friend can be most rewarding. They say
that people come and go, and so do friendships. I firmly believe that
friendships based on trust, honesty and love can survive many a trial,
endure whatsoever tribulations and get by heated misunderstandings with
forgiveness, minus the grudge. That is a pure and treasured bond.

In order to obtain and sustain such a friendship, both parties should
generally be receptive and must not be a bigot. The friends that surround us
can be classified into a few categories, such as the 'hi-bye' friends, with
whom we exchange polite greetings and occasional nods of acknowledgement
when passing by.

Then there are the now-you-see-me-now-you-don't types. Beware, for this is
the breed that would most likely drag you in mud, face-down. These people
only want to share in your joys, and they tend to be deceitful and jealous
of your successes. Once you receive bad news or if you feel melancholic,
count on them to not be there. They are potential back-stabbers, and
boyfriend-snatchers, you know what I mean.

Always look for the softer eternally-yours kind when choosing peers. You can
count on them anytime, anywhere and for anything. If you have found this
person, three cheers for you.

Almost adults, the existence of love cannot be denied. However much you run
and hide, it will find you, if it's meant to be that is. There isn't an age
limit to love, for love also includes puppy love. But there is a certain
level of maturity which has to be attained before pursuing seasoned love
(gosh, I sound like Thelma). This type of relationhip symbolises mutual
understanding and giving and should not be rushed into because it will come
when you are ready. Make sure that your partner is everything that you
aren't so that the both of you can make a balanced package. All in all, only
when you're happy in all these above aspects, can you make your life as a
student reach its peak.

I'm in no position to comment on being an adult, I'll get back to you on
that; for I am still a half-baked adolescent. But what I am sure of is that
it takes plenty of responsibility and will. Whatever it is, the best is to
live for each day, like there's no tomorrow. Treasure all the simple things
in life and make the best out of the worst. Everyday is yours to behold, so
take each moment and live each moment. Carpediem. Seize the day. Above all,
smile .....for tomorrow may be worse.