College Prompt Essay Final Draft

University of Washington: What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What’s the best part? What advice would you give younger siblings or friends (assuming they would listen to you)?

     Growing up and developing into young adults is an exciting, unpredictable journey. In kindergarten, we looked up to our parents and never wanted to let go of their hands. We told them about how our day went, and every little thing that had happened to us. By the time 5th grade came, we were begging them to let us sleepover our friend's house, or to go to the mall alone with our friends. Then, came our teenage years, better known as the rebellious stage. We stay in our rooms, only coming out to eat, and the main reason we talk to our parents is when we want something. We shop at the same stores, and buy things that we may not necessarily like, just for the name brand. Girls cake their faces with makeup and go on diets, so they can look like the models on the covers of magazines. 
      To me, the hardest part about being a teenager now is making the right decisions, and having to think about how my actions will affect my future. If I could, I would eat taco bell everyday, go to the beach instead of doing homework, and spend all my money at the mall. However, life isn't that simple. Being a teenager is complicated and confusing. We're still trying to find our identity and the person that we want to become in the future, or at least I am. My parents have told me that since I'm in high school now, every decision that I make matters. So far, as usual, they were right. I've had to make countless decisions for myself, ranging from things as small as choosing to do my homework, no matter how tired I was, to refusing to vape with my friends. I want to fit in with everyone, but I don't want to be under the negative influence of some people. I'm not perfect, and I don't always make the right decisions, but I feel that the only way to truly be able to grow up, is to learn from your mistakes and to change.  
       The best part about being a teenager would have to be independence. When I'm not on the soccer field or the volleyball court, you can find me shopping at a mall, hiking, or tanning at the beach. At this age, my parents pretty much just let me do whatever I want, as long as they know what I'm doing and where I'm going. It's pretty great having all this freedom, especially since I live in a place as beautiful as Hawaii. I love exploring different places, and driving all around the island just to take pictures. This is only the beginning of a new chapter in my life, because once I'm in college, they won't be there to worry or to set a curfew for me. Independence is definitely the best part about being a teenager, because it means that I'm finally growing up, and making the transition into a young adult. 
       If I were to give advice to my younger siblings or friends, I would tell them to choose their friends wisely. Friends have a really big influence on you, because often times you do whatever your friends do, so you don't feel left out or boring. If your friends make bad choices, then you probably will too. I've had the same best friend since kindergarten, and that's all you really need. You just need that one person who will stay by your side through everything. Although it may not seem like it at the time, there is much more to life than being popular. Think before you act, and trust your instincts when determining what's right or wrong.