age 17
School
School Feels Like a Performance
Every day I put on the same version of myself.
Focused. Chill. Normal.
I walk into school already knowing my role. I know when to laugh,...
College
I Don’t Know What I Want Yet
People keep asking me what I want to be.
Teachers. Family. Adults who barely know me but still expect an answer.
They ask like it’s a...
Family
Being ‘Mature for My Age’ Isn’t a Compliment
Adults always say I’m mature for my age.
They say it like it’s praise, like it means I’m doing something right.
What they don’t realize is...
Mental Health
I Think I’m Anxious, But I Don’t Know Who to Tell
My heart races for no reason sometimes.
I’ll be sitting still, doing nothing, and suddenly it feels like something is wrong. My chest tightens. My...
Culture & Immigration
My Parents Sacrificed Everything and I Feel Guilty
My parents left everything behind so I could have more.
That’s what they tell me when I complain about school or say I’m tired.
That’s what...
