GROWING UP

By Janelle Darien Tan

This year I turned 13.  I am now at the threshold of my teen-age life.  Gone are the days of my childhood when everything in my life depended on my mom and the people around me.

Now things are different.  Aside form the physical changes, I am given more freedom to decide on things affecting myself.  I am free to choose my friends, what to wear and where to go.  Of course my mom and my siblings give advises but it is me who ultimately decides.  I know that with this freedom comes responsibility, so much so that at times I am afraid to make decisions because sometimes I still am afraid to face the consequences of my actions.  I am still a neophyte in these things.

Thank God I have my siblings who are always there for me.  My eldest brother, has given me the best example of perseverance amidst adversity.  Despite the financial difficulties we have been through, we have seen him make the most of our meager resources, to see him through his Engineering course.  He is also the one we, his younger siblings, look up to for advices and even help in our studies.

I have also an elder sister who is now turning out to be my best friend.  We are starting to share clothes since I am growing to be her size.  With her I could feel free to discuss about my crushes, which is a favorite subject of teenage girls. 

Though she is eight years older than me, being a teenager has somehow bridged the age gap between us.  She no longer sees me as the toddler she had to watch over least I may fall. Now we share the same things we like and dislike.

I also have another brother who gives me an insight on what goes on, on a teenage boy’s mind.  After all, he knows, being a teen-age boy himself.

Because they are there, growing is an enriching experience on my part.  I know, I still have a lot to go through before I reach maturity, but it is assuring to know that no matter what, my family will always be there for me.