The Rose View
By Emilie, age 13, California
My view on life is through a rose colored glass. The reason I choose to be so optimistic and fun is because I dread the way people treated me, learning from their mistakes as I walk through the forest of wisdom. But I have cons ... I run away from every problem by avoiding it, ultimately leading to my own demise. If I don't fix this problem soon, I will be blinded by such faux happiness that I won't be able to decipher reality from a dream.I have another dilemma. It's hard for me to tell whether I want something or I need it. I wouldn't consider my life as messed up, although it may seem that way sometimes. I would rather say that it's hard to get over the obstacles people throw at you. Whether it's a cheating boyfriend or an abusive childhood, everyone goes through the same types of pain, chronologically different or in a different scenario. This also means suicide is not an option.
I'm still young. Heck, my taste buds are still developing, let alone my height, but I will learn a lot. I mean, my mind is still opening to the bad and good sides of the world. For instance, just because the person living next to you is rich doesn't mean he or she is a good person. (Hopefully you should know that by now; if you don't, well, now you do.)
My advice for the next generation is: Don't be scared of being who you are. Don't let the world show you what beauty is. So what if you aren't America's Next Top Model or in Teen Vogue? Do what you want to, not what makes you look good. Set your own standards - don't follow other people's. Be successful - make the people you love proud. Don't just stop at the first sign of pain - keep on going.
People wonder what their reason to live is, what their oxygen tank is. Truth is, the only person you should be asking that of is yourself, because if you ask someone else they might just give you a fake answer. People can only guide you to your motive, not do it for you.
