While sitting in a class during high school I remember complaining to my friend about how much it sucked to be a teenager in our current situation. We discussed how excited we were to graduate, grow up and do adult things. I was definitely smacked in the face with reality when I discovered what was actually waiting for me in this chaotic challenge named adulthood.

The first year or so after graduating high school is typically great. You accumulate all of this adrenaline you use in situations like making your own doctor appointments and buying your own clothes. It's a new feeling that causes a feeling of power. I even volunteered to start paying for my own stuff since I was so "grown up". Eventually this feeling wore off. Things got stressful. The older I grew the more responsibilities surfaced. In no time I was going to college and working a job. Now I go to college and work two jobs. When things get overwhelming and almost too hard to bare I sit back and laugh at my high school self complaining about how hard life was.

Not only can it be difficult and stressful, but it is also very awkward and weird sometimes. Occasionally I fail to find the balance with my age. Am I too old for this? Am I too young for this? Some people treat me the same as any other adult while some people can tell I'm young and treat me with less respect simply because of my age. I also feel like I'm in this weird in between age. I'm doing a lot of various tasks that are preparing me for my future and sometimes it leaves me feeling confused. What am I doing for myself now? Where exactly am I in my life? Everything I do is aimed towards the future but shouldn't I also be focusing on the present?

While it is a lot to handle at times, I will say that I have enjoyed a lot of my post high school experiences. I have met such an amazing and diverse array of friends that have helped me see things in a different light. It's also nice to have the ability to do things yourself sometimes. No one ever said life was easy, and even though life has hurdles it is all eventually worthwhile. Even the bad situations turn out to be either life experiences or memories to laugh at down the road. I highly advise any young high school student to take advantage of everything high school has to offer and enjoy your time there. While it is important and a great idea to focus on your future, also remember to enjoy the present. Don't be so busy planning the future you miss the present. I myself to need to take this advice for my current situation as well!