The Question Asked by Every Family Member At Every Graduation Party | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Question Asked by Every Family Member At Every Graduation Party

We've all heard it, we've all been asked it, and we've all desperately tried to answer it.

259
The Question Asked by Every Family Member At Every Graduation Party
Pexels

Ah, the joy of end-of-the-year graduation parties. And all the well-meaning, but overly curious family members that come with them. As I saddle up for another round of family parties the months of June and July are sure to welcome, I can't help but ponder the ever present question of "What do you want to be when you grow up?" A question that has plagued children, tweens, teens, and soon-to-be-adults from the days of kindergarten to the haunted days before college graduation. A question that, to me, seems so carelessly asked and thrown around that no one stops to ponder what it really means and what the implications of it truly are.

To ask the question "what do you want to be when you grow up?" insinuates that we all do in fact "grow up." But, what does it mean to "grow up"? Does it mean moving from childhood to adolescence to adulthood? When does a person reach adulthood? These are all questions created simply by using the term "grow up." The implication of those two little words holds a far greater meaning than most people asking the above question ever. For instance, aren't I already grown? I mean I haven’t physically grown any taller since 5th grade and some shoes from when I was ten still fit me. So, I would say that I am pretty grown, well physically that is.

More than the implications the question of "what do you want to be when you grow up?" brings up when asked, the mental drag of the constant repetition of the question is real. It is not just hearing the question once or twice at a party but hearing it over and over and over again that is just a constant degradation on a person's very being. Now, as dramatic as that sounds it is the truth. As if I did not already live in a perpetual state of nervous energy, I love having the impending thought of what I want to do with my whole future shoved in my face at every turn by various family members at a graduation party in the backyard. That just sounds like my dream come to life. In case no one could tell that was sarcasm.

Now do not get me wrong, it is a great thing to set goals for one's future and strive to be something and do something worth while. However, all things in moderation. It is one thing to think about your future at your own leisure and a complete other to have various family members repeatedly ask you a question that really makes little to no sense when you think about it. What does it mean to "grow up"? Do any of us truly "grow up"? Or, do we all just fake it until the day we die? Pretending like we know how to files taxes and are angered at property value going down. No matter if you know how to file taxes, consider yourself an adult or even a teen, just think twice the next time you ask or are asked the question "what do you want to be when you grow up?"

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180546
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7531
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452697
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23402
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments