The 2010s: From a 16-Year-Old’s Perspective

By: Monna S.

Where were you in 2010? While some people describe this era as “one of the worst decades in history,” I try to look at it in a different light. Growing up in a momentous era is not only a curse but also a blessing; which is something I didn’t realize until a couple of months ago. What would have been different if I had grown up in the 2000s? Or the 1990s, perhaps? I have no idea. All I know is that I’m grateful for the 2010s solely because I have grown a lot—both mentally and emotionally.

The 2016 election results were hated by some and loved by others. As chaotic as the presidential race was, it was my first “wake-up call.” It was my first glimpse into politics—and the real world. Until then I was a shy 14-year-old who lived in a bubble, distant from reality. As the months went by, I found myself wanting to be more educated in subjects such as sociology, psychology, and history. I wanted to learn as much as I could and form my own opinions on different matters. Ultimately, not only did I become more socially aware, but I also learned more about myself in the process.

It seems I grew up a little too fast, and that is both my blessing and curse of the 2010s. I wish that I had understood sooner how important it is to find the beauty in negative situations and to look towards the future in a positive light. Whether I was eight or twelve or fifteen, my experiences during this momentous era have certainly made me into the person I am today. By the time it’s 2020, I’ll be an 18-year-old high school graduate. Over the course of ten years, I’ve learned many lessons. In the end, though, I’m still learning and will continue to learn as I’ll soon step into the next phase of my life.