Growing up Story

MY 18TH STORY

Turning 18 is like unwrapping a book that I have been waiting to read, though the pages are blank, but I can  already feel all the stories that are yet to be written. The first thing that comes to my mind is just pure excitement,  I just can’t wait to learn everything that life has to offer, to discover new roads and find out what I am truly capable of. Of course, there is still a part of me that I was a little nervous about. I know that growing up means that I have to take on more responsibilities, that I have to face challenges that may seem heavy, and that I have to learn to stand on my own even if I am not sure how. Still, that mix of excitement and worry is what makes this moment feel so real, like I’m ready to take on whatever comes next. I couldn’t have gotten here without the people who mean more to me than words can say. To my parents and friends. They didn’t just watch me grow taller over the years but they helped me grow deep. Every time I hit a high point, they cheered louder than anyone. Every time I fell or felt lost, they were right there to lift me up or walk with me through the dark. They’ve shaped me mentally and emotionally in ways I’m only just starting to understand, and I treasure every single one of them, because without their love, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

The dream that I have been holding close to my heart for so long is finally within reach now that I am 18, and that  is to be someone who can help others in the way that they truly deserve. I know that by just turning 18 will not  make me perfect, but it feels like the opening of a door to more wisdom, more opportunities to grow, and more  ways for me to be the best version of myself. I do not want to just take from this world but also to give back, to be a blessing to the people around me and even to those whom I have not yet met. This dream of mine no longer feels like something that is far away but something that I can build.

For a long time, the most difficult thing for me was not being able to feel proud of myself. I believed that I had to do something big, something that everyone would notice. But gradually, thanks to the help of my family and friends, I began to realize that the strength is in the little things that nobody talks about. The days that I managed to get out of bed when my heart was heavy. The times when I managed to keep going even when I wanted to give up on everything. Those days didn’t feel like victories back then, but now I know that every single one of them made me stronger than I ever thought I would be .I also want to share something that means so much to me: Sometimes life will feel tough. So tough you’ll want to 

hide away and never come out. And that’s okay. It doesn’t mean things will stay that way forever. One day, you’ll look around and see how much light there is in your life. When things get too heavy, pause. Breathe. Cry if you need to because every feeling matters. What’s important is that you keep getting back up, keep learning, and let every hard moment help you become someone even better than you thought you could be.

And lastly I would like to thank my family and friends. As I turn 18 and step into this new chapter, I want to thank my family, for working hard for me, teaching me what matters, and loving me always. To my dearest friends, thank you for being my chosen family and standing by me through every up and down that led me here. Your love and support carried me to this day, and I’m so grateful to have you all by my side as I start this new chapter.

Love,

Jade Abille