In my vast 16 years of life I like to think that I've become an adult, but in all honesty, in 10 years I'll probably laugh at myself because I thought I was so grown up getting my G1 (yes, yes I did get my G1 this Friday!) and being able to go out with my friends whenever I wanted. But until then, I will bask in the beautiful naivete of thinking I'm more grown up then I really am.
Now, much like the narrator in the short story "To Everything There is a Season" by Alistair MacLeod, I have gone through an experience when real life crashes in and spirits you away from the safe, sheltered world of imaginary play and Santa Claus. Just to make this clear, I have had an extremely blessed life and I thank God every singly day (really, I do) for everything. I have absolutely nothing to complain about and I have been so lucky. With respect to all my friends who have gone through a lot in their lives, here is my humble story of my smack in the face from reality.
I have realized that what I really want to do in life is humanitarian work and to become a human rights lawyer. So I felt that going on a volunteer trip to Ecuador would be the perfect first step. But boy, I did NOT realize how much work it would be.
The big thing was that I had to pay for the entire trip myself. Sure, $4000 might not be a lot for a working adult or incredibly well off people but for me, that's like climbing Mount Everest with no oxygen, that's like swimming across the Atlantic Ocean with no training, that's like trying to pass a Lemieux test without studying!!!! (Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a tiny bit. Earning $4000 is easier then studying for a Mme. Lemieux history test.) But I didn't have a job and I don't think my monthly allowance would cover the whole trip unless I saved for 6 and a half years (yes, I did actually calculate this). And so the mission for a summer job (my parents didn't want me to get a part time job because I "couldn't handle it". Excuse me?! But... I do thank them for that because in hindsight if I HAD gotten a part time my brain would've exploded of stress. So thank you Mommy and Daddy!! [Heart] ) began.
My heart goes out to all those trying to find a job. I truly, truly understand how hard it is. I applied to at least 12 different stores and organizations and I only got called for 2 interviews. The first one I actually, legitimately, bombed - I was so nervous. I didn't end up getting that one. But my second interview went extremely well and I had a summer job! After minutely calculating every single penny I earned, I finally paid off my trip and drained my bank account. But it was worth it!
Because I learned that money has value. And I grew up. I realized that as much as they love me, Mommy and Daddy aren't going to pay for everything in my life and that I'm going to have to (dare I say it?!) take responsibility for my own life. It definitely woke me up to reality - much like when Alistair realized that he had entered a different realm. He got to finally sit with the "older ones" and realized that life wasn't what he thought it was before.
In life, we all eventually grow up. It all happens to us in different ways whether through tragedies or minor obstacles. But one thing remains the same - we can all relate to this one, inevitable fact of life.
No comments:
Post a Comment