It Takes A Lot Of Strength To Make The Best Of Things

High school is a mountain of experiences. Every experience in itself seems so important at the time. But looking back, I can say that most of the situations and memories, good and bad, seem trivial.

High school, to me, has been a lot of random experiences. It’s been fun, depressing, transparent, sappy, dramatic, emotional, hysterical, odd, indifferent, transitional… and more. In its entirety, it has been a time full of mistakes and growth; a time I wouldn’t take back, but would never wish to re-live.

High school has left me with many different emotions. But mostly I am bitter.

The journey is short. Before you know it, you’re a junior. Yesterday’s major gossip is last year’s news.

It all goes by fast. At the moment you think that “this” is really important, whatever “this” is.

You hang out with a certain group of people. You talk about one another, and you share funny memories. But eventually you’re the object of all the bitchy gossip.

One day you stop in the hall. People pass you in a hazy cloud. You frantically wonder, “Where did I go?”

I think everyone has this feeling eventually but buries it. They inwardly promise themselves that they will deal with it “later.” But then “later” is too late.

We all do it, I guess. We underline the significance of our friends and relationships. We think that the little things we say about the odd girl in our math class or that extremely quiet guy are OK because we are the majority.

I hear all the careless remarks and insults. Quite frankly, they make me sick.

Whatever happened to right and wrong? Whatever happened to “Do unto others as you would have done unto you”?

Who is the strongest? Who is the coolest? Something always has to be said about about other people.

Perhaps it’s that girl who doesn’t quite fit into the mold but still doesn’t speak a single mean word toward the “cool” individuals that make her classes an emotional struggle. She’s alone. No friends. No one to say it’s OK. Yet, she gets out of bed every day and faces a world she’s not quite a part of. She lives.

Then there are those who crack jokes and laugh at those who are different from them. Sadly enough, many don’t think twice. And they’re surrounded by cowards who laugh. These are the individuals who pose as cushions from the truth.

But what is the truth? I can tell you without hesitation, because I have been a part of both parties. I have been the girl who was not the right mold, who cried herself to sleep at night and then woke up sick to her stomach in the morning.

I have also been on the other side. I have been the bystander who overhears the name-calling and sarcastic remarks. I have been so “cool” that I did not speak a word of defense on behalf of the person who was alone.

The truth is that strength, security and beauty lie in the individual who is beaten to death emotionally but gets up every morning to live through it all.

Everything in high school is a big event when you’re going through it. But here’s one piece of advice: Stop and look at your life and your existence. Ask yourself, are you happy? If not, you have the power to change. It’s all up to you.

Editor’s note: Got something to say? Speak for Yourself is the place to do it. If you are a teen with an opinion on any topic, send your column to Our Generation, Speak for Yourself, 999 W. Riverside, Spokane, WA 99210-1615. Or fax it to 459-5098.