Growing up is often depicted as a journey with clearly defined stages. As we pass through each one—elementary school, high school, university, and life—our perception of success and “making it” changes. The reality of growing up, however, often feels different from what we expect. Here’s a look at each stage and the surprising lessons they teach us about life, goals, and personal growth.
1. Elementary School: “Almost Done”
In elementary school, life is simple. With structured routines, encouragement from teachers, and small achievements, children are often led to believe that they’re close to mastering what they need for the future. The phrase “almost done” reflects this sense of nearing completion, as each year brings new milestones like learning multiplication or completing a book.
- Reality Check:
- Foundations, Not Conclusions: Elementary school is only the beginning. It teaches foundational skills like reading, basic math, and social behavior, which are essential but far from the full picture.
- Developing Curiosity: This stage is about fostering curiosity and developing a sense of wonder, but it doesn’t prepare students for the full complexities of life.
Children may feel accomplished at this stage, but it’s only the start of their journey, laying the groundwork for future challenges and learning.
2. High School: “Very Close”
High school brings a new level of responsibility and choice. Students face standardized tests, begin thinking about careers, and gain more independence. At this stage, many believe they’re “very close” to adulthood and independence. High school is often seen as a major milestone that brings them one step closer to “real life.”
- Reality Check:
- Introduction to Complexity: High school introduces more complex subjects and responsibilities but still doesn’t fully capture the demands of adulthood.
- Navigating Peer Influence and Identity: This is the stage where students start forming their identity and dealing with peer influence, which plays a crucial role in personal growth.
- Career Pressure: Many students feel pressured to decide on a career path, even though they often lack the experience to make fully informed choices.
In reality, high school is more about exposure than mastery. Students are introduced to life’s complexities but still have much to learn.
3. University: “Yes!”
University or college is a major accomplishment, and completing a degree often feels like reaching the peak. At this stage, students are equipped with specialized knowledge and skills, and many feel they’re fully prepared to face the world. There’s a sense of pride and achievement, as well as the expectation of securing a job and starting a career.
- Reality Check:
- Beginning of Real-World Application: University is an important milestone, but the learning truly begins when students start applying their knowledge in real-life situations.
- Adapting to Uncertainty: Many graduates quickly realize that the job market is unpredictable, and degrees don’t always guarantee job security.
- Continuous Learning: University is only one part of the journey, and lifelong learning becomes necessary to stay relevant and succeed in an ever-changing world.
The “Yes!” moment of graduation soon gives way to the reality that a degree is just one piece of the puzzle in building a fulfilling career and life.
4. Life: “What?!”
Upon entering the “real world,” the challenges of life often feel overwhelming. Unlike the previous stages, life has no set curriculum, no guidebooks, and no structured progression. Responsibilities like managing finances, maintaining relationships, balancing work and life, and personal well-being require skills and resilience not fully taught in school.
- Reality Check:
- Facing Uncertainty: Life after school is filled with uncertainty, and success doesn’t follow a linear path. It’s normal to feel unprepared or lost at times.
- Learning Resilience: Life is filled with setbacks and learning experiences, and resilience becomes an essential skill.
- Defining Personal Success: Unlike school, where success is often measured by grades, adult life requires individuals to define success for themselves, based on personal values and goals.
This stage teaches that life is a continuous journey of growth, requiring adaptability, self-awareness, and a willingness to redefine goals as circumstances change.
Conclusion
The reality of growing up is that each stage brings a new perspective and set of challenges. Elementary school instills the basics, high school introduces complexity, university offers specialization, and life reveals that success is a lifelong journey. Embracing this journey with an open mind and a willingness to learn helps individuals navigate the unexpected turns that adulthood brings.
Growing up is not about reaching a final destination; it’s about continuously adapting, learning, and growing in every phase. By recognizing that life is a process, we can approach each stage with a healthy perspective, accepting that there will always be more to learn and experience.
References and Further Reading
Ross Stretch
