As I progress throughout my junior year, I ask myself a question: “Why was I in such a hurry to grow up?” Yes, growing up brings numerous opportunities and experiences that your younger self couldn’t partake in. And yes, as you grow older you are given more freedom to do as you please, but why was my younger self wishing my only attempt at childhood away?

Back in the day, I used to wake up with no cares in the world. The only thing on my agenda for that particular day was to plop down in front of the TV and catch my regularly scheduled 3:30 program. All I was focused on was relaxing and having fun. I wasn’t planning two weeks in advance to study for my APES test. I wasn’t laying awake in bed wondering if the university of my dreams would accept me, nor was I getting anxious and worked up wondering which particular girl I should ask to Homecoming. I was sitting in the living room with a bowl of mac and cheese watching a Scooby-Doo rerun that I had already seen three times prior.

Life as a pre-teen was much more simple. We had much less responsibility on our shoulders and life was more than school, extracurriculars and sleep. We had much more free time, and we were actually able to do activities for pure enjoyment. As a youngster, I adventured and I explored, and through process of elimination realized what I did and didn’t wish to do with my life.

Often, I found myself grinning from ear to ear as I swung on my swingset. I peered down to ground level to observe my fellow companions playing in the leaves. There was zero judging going on, no one was agitated and we were all just having a good time. My friends and I laughed on and on into the night. When it was finally time to head home there was no weeping, no sadness. We all planned to meet out at our spot in just ten short hours for more enjoyment and laughter.

Now why would anyone wish that kind of life away?