Teens struggle to find their true identity
By Hannah Johnson
Red Level High School
Red Level, Alabama
Jocks, wannabes, the “in crowd”, emos, nerds, and bullies are all the stereotypical group labels that divide high school students all across the nation. One of the biggest challenges teens face during the changes between childhood and adulthood is the struggle to find out who they really are.
Teenagers always look to others to see what they should do or think. They may act one way with one group of people, but completely different with another. Teens get frustrated trying to find themselves so they get caught up in acting like others.
Teens are too focused on “becoming” who they really are. Identity can become shady whenever teens compare themselves to others. It’s human nature to want to identify who we are by how our bodies look, and things are changing so fast in teenage years that we can never find out who we are.
Rebellion and changes of image and attitude are almost necessary for teens to develop a sense of who they are and what they want to become. Although teens rebel, it’s more of an experience to find out whom they are. Teens try to find their own independence to have a sense of control over their lives.
Teens always see themselves as if they are on stage and everyone is always looking at them and judging them by what they do, say, wear or feel, therefore making them feel extremely self-conscious
By the end of teenage years, changes take place and some of the struggles with identity start to go away. Parents can help their teen by being supportive and understanding during these changes. The approach to this should be gentle and patient.
Having multiple identities can be stressful and hectic for teens, but it is all part of a natural process.
Red Level High School
Red Level, Alabama
Jocks, wannabes, the “in crowd”, emos, nerds, and bullies are all the stereotypical group labels that divide high school students all across the nation. One of the biggest challenges teens face during the changes between childhood and adulthood is the struggle to find out who they really are.
Teenagers always look to others to see what they should do or think. They may act one way with one group of people, but completely different with another. Teens get frustrated trying to find themselves so they get caught up in acting like others.
Teens are too focused on “becoming” who they really are. Identity can become shady whenever teens compare themselves to others. It’s human nature to want to identify who we are by how our bodies look, and things are changing so fast in teenage years that we can never find out who we are.
Rebellion and changes of image and attitude are almost necessary for teens to develop a sense of who they are and what they want to become. Although teens rebel, it’s more of an experience to find out whom they are. Teens try to find their own independence to have a sense of control over their lives.
Teens always see themselves as if they are on stage and everyone is always looking at them and judging them by what they do, say, wear or feel, therefore making them feel extremely self-conscious
By the end of teenage years, changes take place and some of the struggles with identity start to go away. Parents can help their teen by being supportive and understanding during these changes. The approach to this should be gentle and patient.
Having multiple identities can be stressful and hectic for teens, but it is all part of a natural process.