Please be as blunt as possible with this…tell me if I am over romanticizing this and that everyone goes through it…I really need to know
So I understand that everyone feels like they are special and all tgast but I feel as though my life is going to be different from the conventional suburban life. I’m just different from others at school, I don’t care about making friends or fitting in or activities for school spirit. I just do my own thing and I get good grades and think about the world and life in ways others don’t get. Anyways I feel as though when I go to college, my life will get a lot better and I will become adventurous and discover like minded people but that my life won’t be the typical life that most people have. That I’m just meant to do something, its this deep feeling…have that life lived in books with a real love story and not become some suburban soccer mom (not that there’s anything wrong with that!)
So have I been reading too many novels or could there be some truth in my feelings? Is this something every teen feels, cause I honestly don’t know?
No such thing as reading too many novels! But yeah, seems you just haven’t yet realized that everyone thinks they’re special…but there is ALWAYS someone out there who is better, smarter, more interesting, more whatever.
Most people are average and destined for a fully fulfilling average life. That’s why special is “special” and not “usual.” You may end up being average. Who cares – so is everyone else.
So look for colleges where you feel like you might fit in better than you do in high school. Bard, Reed, Wesleyan, Oberlin, Pitzer are all schools that come to mind.
i truly believe that we all are put on this world to do something, change something, just in our own ways.
It is also possible you will never find that place…some people just ARE different from those around them. Not better, just different. Just try to find a place you feel comfortable, and don’t go into it with life changing expectations.
You sound JUST like me. I love to read (unlike most students). I rarely talk to teens besides my best friend & boyfriend), and I also want to help others.
Anyway, although “every” teen doesn’t feel exactly this way, there’s nothing wrong with it. Many people want to travel & make a difference, & tons of CC students aren’t extremely social in school. I think it’ll be easier to make friends in college, since there’s less drama & you can find others will similar interests. You can never read too much, by the way. Good luck!
Great! Just follow that path and seize the opportunities before you. Many people either can’t recognize opportunity or are afraid of it.
Every single one of the kids I’ve taught in the past 35 years was meant to be someone.
The funny thing is, the older you get, the more you realize that making a difference in your little corner of the world IS being someone. A life well-lived is a wonderful thing, even if the world doesn’t know your name.
That feeling is wonderful motivation to go out, work hard, and change the world. The great thing about college is that you will meet others that are a lot like you and together you will do great things, and hopefully have a lot of fun in the process. Your job will to be attentive to good fit within what your grades, test scores, and budget will afford. As suggested earlier, by @intparent you might look at some of the less conventional liberal arts colleges or state schools with creative honors programs.
There are many ways to change the world as @surfcity and @bjkmom have said. Teaching somebody a new skill, being a good parent, or volunteering in your own community are ways to make a difference, especially if one settles down into “mundane” life.
Be the change you want to see in the world!