I have only been able to experience life for sixteen of the ninety years I will most likely live.

Yet, I am expected to act like an adult: to be responsible, to never get upset, to act mature, and to always know right from wrong. 

The adults that dictate my life are able to dismiss the blunders they make with a simple shrug. They have the power to shape and form our lives, but have they ever taken the opportunity to ask future generations what they want their life to look like?

I don’t want to be trapped in a world where women can’t walk alone at night, where we must cover-up so as to not expose ourselves to grown men, where millions are killed due to the politics of saving lives. 

I want to live in a world where I am able to feel beautiful and confident in my skin and my community. I want to live in a world where children’s opinions matter and who you love leaves no negative impacts on your future. 

I want my children to never feel the urge to cover themselves when they are in the presence of the opposite sex. I want them to grow up sure of themselves and their futures. I want to be a source of joy and reassurance to them and not a creature they try to escape from. 

I want to live in a world run by those that have my best interests in their mind and that aren’t coerced by money, power, and politics. 

My body should not be dictated by men raised to believe that women must not show skin. It shouldn’t be run by those who believe you should respect the eyes and urges of men before you respect yourself and your beautifully flawed body.

I am fed up with sitting silently while adults continue to throw their flawed rules at me. They are so confident in their ability to know my life and emotions when I can’t feel comfortable opening me up to them.

I am sick and tired of being sick and tired of my life.

I wait with bated breath for the revolution. For the day when those that dare to dream of a peaceful and love-filled country take the lead on our country’s future. 

That day I will throw flowers in the air and dance through a field of daisies. I will hug strangers on the street and cry tears of immense joy. I will celebrate like never before. 

Until then, I will continue being heard. I will refuse to have my opinions be ignored and will push with all my might to see the changes I long to see in my life. 

I will continue being loud and proud of myself and my friends. I will love myself unapologetically and do my utmost to show others how beautiful they are. 

I don’t want to look at my life with regret and distaste. 

I will look back in the future and be grateful for the chances that I took and for the love I spread within my community. I will live my life fully and with excitement every day.