Six Word Memoirs on Life Stories

Level1 says,

Then go for it! Do it while you are young. Seize every opportunity that comes your way and recognize them for the chances they are. Otherwise one day you will be 40 or 50 and say, why didn't I do more? When you are young you think I have all the time in the world to do this or do that until one day you realize that all that time you thought you had is behind you.

Dragonflower says,

You are very talented, Layne. I am sure you will find the perfect thing to do. When I was in high school, some kids would go live somewhere else for a year, with another family. I think it was called Study Abroad Program back then. We missed them so much when they were gone. When they came home, they seemed different. In a good way. If you feel very strongly that you'd enjoy this kind of adventure, it would probably be good for you. Not all kids can be away from their friends and family, and their comfortable routine. I admire your courage.

For me, I liked staying where I knew what was what. When I went to college in my middle 20s, I felt like you, like I wanted to do something with that time that was remarkable. There was a study tour during intersession in January, and I went to England. English study tour. I didn't know anyone on the tour. They were all ages. It was 3 weeks. I'd never been in such cold, snowy weather either. Best time for me. I felt different when I came home. Still the same, basically, but different. It was like it satisfied something in me.

And, if you try something and you don't like it, there is no shame in that. I knew someone who wanted to go to school far away from home, but when they got there, it just wasn't for them. You have lots of potential. The right thing for you will present itself. Be patient and not hard on yourself. Someone on this site has a saying I really like about waiting to see what the tide will bring in. Catsmeow, I think. I am sure the tide will bring you something great! Then you can seize it for the opportunity it is. Best wishes to you, as always.

Layne says,

A thank you to the both of you:) I would absolutely love to do an exchange school program, but my mom wont let me. It would be hard too missing out on things here, especially prom next year, but I think there may be half-school year options that I could look into. Theres also a school trip next year that goes to Belize for a week. That would be amazing, and I'm trying to get the details straight to go. I feel like theres a whole world out there that I'm missing out on and want to be a part of!

Dragonflower says,

And the whole world is waiting for you too! Everything will happen just as it is supposed to, never fear. :) Your mom probably doesn't want you too far away yet. I wouldn't either, that's how moms are!! We need time to adjust.

Level1 says,

Life experience does not always have to come in the form of travel. Heck, I did not really start traveling till I was in my 40s. But, I would make a point of really interacting and connecting with people. Look to stretch your comfort zones. Spend a few minutes with someone you might otherwise pass by. Just having a meaningful conversation with a person can sometimes take you to a place you never imagined.

Layne says,

Again, a thank you goes out to the both of you! DE, I hope you're right. My moms been giving me extra 'attention' since my sister left for college. It's not that I'm the favorite because my sister is wonderful, but I think to them I may be. (I think I may write a six about that, hmm stay tuned) but that makes them more protective over me just the same. I'm almost scared for when I want to stay out late at night, or go on dates where the boy picks me up in his car, because my sister never did those things in high school, so my parents don't think it's 'safe.' I don't know I'm just a teen so maybe it's not and ill figure that out later, but I think if we're responsible then there's no issue. I think because I've been so obedient to my parents all these years, it'll be hard when they need to finally lengthen the leash. It think they're also scared that if they do that they may get a rebellious daughter they didn't know they had. Kind of like how of a dog is on a leash it's whole life, and you let it off, it'll probably run away. On the contrary, if a dog was raised being able to go off that leash, it's more likely to come back when the owner calls. I'm the leashed dog right now, but I'm trying to show them that I won't run away.

And Level, I like your advice to talk to people I normally wouldn't. I actually did that once and I loved it:) I went to a graduation party a couple hours away with my parents. It was my dad's friend in college whose son was graduating. I had met this family when I was little and they had three boys, two around my age and the one graduating. They were fun from what I can remember (any kids are fun when you're little) so I thought I would go and just try and meet some people. I got there, and I didn't know anyone, but I tagged along with one of the sons and his friends and they welcomed me like I was just like one of the guys. We played chicken in the pool, shotgun soda cans, and just had an amazing time. While I was running around with the guys, I saw some nicely dressed girls in skirts and too much makeup stare at me like who is this girl? I just laughed and waved and ran to catch up with the guys. My parents told me later that they kept getting compliments on how nice their daughter was and made jokes about me 'keeping up with the guys.' That was probably the most fun I've had in a long time, and I owe it to letting my guard down, like you said. It was fantastic.