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My name is Meagan. There is nothing extraordinary about me. I am a seventeen year old, counting down the days till graduation, just like every other senior in the world. I’ve accomplished a lot in my short seventeen years of life, as have I made mistakes. I’m not perfect; show me one person who is. I’m on the path of self discovery, which, as I have come to realize is not an easy conduit. Trials and tribulations have presented themselves in great abundance. Adolescence; something we all must face, and fight to overcome.
I clearly remember the last time I had to move. I was eleven going on twelve. It was the summer before my seventh grade year. At that point, starting a new school wasn’t really THAT big of a deal.
I spent the next four and a half years going to Mountain Home. I made four of the best, most amazing friends anyone could ever ask for. When I had to leave them I was crushed. I’ve never had to deal with letting go of people I was friends with for so long. Leaving people I’ve known for a year and leaving people I’d been around for most of my teenage life was so much harder than I had expected.
Over the majority of the summer, I convinced myself that I wasn’t going to meet anyone that didn’t already have their “established” group of friends. It was my senior year, what else could I expect? I was sure that the majority of people I was about to call my classmates had been at this school for most, if not all of their high school years.
I soon realized that starting a new high school was way different than being the “new girl” in elementary or even middle school. It wasn’t as easy to gain “approval” of my classmates now as it had been back then.
I felt like a freshman all over again. However, at least as a Freshman I had my friends; people I knew. I could very easily name well over ninety percent of my class. Here, at this new school, I knew no one.
I am usually not a “shy” person. I am very outgoing and bubbly. But for some unexplainable reason none of my previous qualities followed me to this new school.
As the day progressed, I was dreading lunch time more than anything. I didn’t want to be the weird girl that was forced to sit in the corner by herself due to her lack of friends. Yes, I know what you’re thinking. It was the first day of school, there were bound to be other new students in my position, right? Well that may have been true, and I’m sure it was, but in my mind I didn’t see it that way. I saw it as: I was alone.
I am still struggling to meet new people, haven’t really made much progress yet. I just can’t seem to put myself out there. I’ve never had to worry about what others thought of me because socially, I’ve been around the same exact people for the last five years. I didn’t realize that as I grew older things that didn’t use to be so important, all the sudden seemed so dramatic and life-changing.
I’ve been told over and again by my mom that I will eventually have to enter the “real” world and that the worry I have over all of the things that have happened in high school will almost immediately evaporate upon said entrance.
What adults fail to realize is that every day in a teenager’s life is a battle. We’re no longer children, but not quite adults. We struggle to make the right decisions. We struggle to find out who we are and what we stand for. We struggle to just fit in.
As I looked at through the list of topics we were given to write about I only found one that was applicable to me. And believe me; I struggled for the longest time, deciding which moment in my life to write about, after all, there were so many. So, I decided to look at the bigger picture. And it occurred to me that all of my struggles have come with being a teenager. From there, it just made sense; it sort of “clicked”. And although I still have about a year and a half left, I honestly believe that being a teenager has been the hardest experience in my life; something I’m sure that I will carry with me for the rest of my existence.



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This article has 47 comments. Post your own!

Angel H. said...
Mar. 29 at 8:43 am:
I thought this was really good. When i first read this I thought it wasn't going to be good but you figured out how to make your own and incorporate your move into the paper.
 
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niks said...
Oct. 12, 2011 at 6:30 am:
good essay... i could feel it, even if it is not real...
 
madison.rose94 replied...
Feb. 1 at 11:07 pm :
I wish that you had a specific instance, not just something that happened to you over time, to describe your feelings. It's a bit cliché, also. It has potential though! Don't stop writing!
 
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Chase P. said...
Oct. 10, 2011 at 8:48 pm:

This was a good paper that told the audience about your whole life maybe just summarize it a little.

 

 
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editpem3 said...
Oct. 8, 2011 at 10:06 pm:
I agree with most of the comments below. I think positive ending would've made it better though.
 
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abcat said...
Sept. 23, 2011 at 10:26 pm:
Content-wise, this isn't that great for an admissions essay. You sound naive and sheltered. Also, you really need to learn what semi-colons are for.
 
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musicluffler said...
Sept. 18, 2011 at 6:30 pm:
I think a key way to improve this essay would be to tie in more of a positive ending, for example, how/why you think starting at a new college will be better for you, the types of clubs you are looking forward to joining, and how you can move onwards from this experience.  Generally, your essay has a nice flow and good use of language.  Make sure you separate it into paragraphs and change the capital "THAT" to an italiced that so it doesn't seem like you're yelling at the admiss... (more »)
 
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dbaxter474 said...
Aug. 22, 2011 at 10:05 pm:
This was an absolutely fabulous essay. It really catches the teenage essence. I didn't ever change schools, but I never was outgoing until recently. Before that time though, I felt a lot like what you're going through. Find a group who enjoys what you like and you'll make some awesome friends.
 
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anonymous said...
Oct. 8, 2010 at 9:07 am:
Yes, I mostly agree with the comment above. Unfortunately, being a teenager doesn't set you apart from the crowd (I'm also 17). I would have appreciated your essay more had you given some insight on how you would overcome the trials of "being a teenager", since right now it sounds as if you're just sitting passively and blaming your troubles on your age.
 
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Kamo said...
Aug. 15, 2010 at 6:13 pm:
I'm 17 as well, and the theme of this essay is decent...but some of the things you say make you just sound like a whiny teenage brat. Such as "What adults fail to realize is that every day in a teenager's life is a battle." Adults were not born adults, they were teenagers once, so I'm pretty sure they would know that. They just have more important things to worry about than fitting in, and they know that what happens to you socially in high school doesn't really matter at all. Just sayin'
 
PinkPiggys replied...
Apr. 14, 2011 at 8:03 pm :

Kamo, how dare you call her a whiny brat. I admit, i probably would have called her a whiny brat as well about 6 months ago. But 5 months ago my parents decided to transfer me to a new school out of the blue. Suddenly, I felt(and still feel) this hollowness inside me. At least I had a boy named Tim who transferred 2 days after me. If I didnt have Tim...God that would be tough, Tim and I aren't that close anymore, but knowing I had someone who felt the way I did made me feel better. Now my par... (more »)

 
Anon replied...
Nov. 22, 2011 at 10:52 pm :
I'm with Kamo. Piggy, you're also a whiny teenage brat, using Kamo's words. If I were recruiting for a college and read this, I'd automatically reject this person. Colleges want adults, not little confused kids who blame the world for their social problems.
 
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Anon said...
Jul. 30, 2010 at 8:54 pm:
Being a teenager is the hardest thing in your life? God can't I imagine kids that's gone through poverty and all. Find a new topic... if you haven't already submitted it. Admissions are just going to think how protected and ignorant you are.
 
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Macx14This teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Jul. 20, 2010 at 10:09 pm:
You just put teenage years in one of the best descriptions possible! I know how you feel when you express sadness in leaving people you've know for years. They know us when we're young and simple; it wasn't so superficial like it is in middle and high school. They kind of grow with us and you can't just go somewhere else and feel the same connection. Again, you put it well, beautiful writing:)
 
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IamtheStargirlThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. said...
Jun. 28, 2010 at 4:30 pm:
It was slightly hard to follow. But I still really liked it :)
 
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Marymayy232 said...
Jun. 6, 2010 at 12:47 pm:

I loved this essay so much :)

For my Junior English project, we had to create an anthology, or a collection of works that all contributed to who we are as a person, and how that affected us as students. And I thought i should just let you know, that i included this in my anthology, and my teachers loved it :)

 
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CassieSherman14This teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. This work has been published in the Teen Ink monthly print magazine. said...
May 15, 2010 at 8:38 pm:
Great article! I'm sorry you felt that way, but everyone fells like that at some point in their life. I felt like that when I moved too but I got used to it. Good luck finding friends!
 
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Aelita said...
May 15, 2010 at 1:27 pm:
It was good, but the beginning did not seem to be congruous to the rest of the story...  Also, if you want friends, try joining an after school group you enjoy, and you can meet friends who share that common interest!
 
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AmyMarie said...
May 15, 2010 at 10:30 am:
Don't worry college is a much more accepting atmosphere and you'll be there soon :)
 
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smartypantsscorpio22 said...
Apr. 23, 2010 at 6:20 pm:
My name is Meagan and I am 17 as well. I've been in a small city my whole life and I deal with the same issues. People have those 'clicks' and if you're smart, you're looked down upon. If you can't go to parties--you're nothing. Don't worry, when you graduate, you'll prob. never see those people again. That's the way I look at it anyway. =D This was written very well and I could totally relate to this. =D
 
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LeilaniLives said...
Apr. 23, 2010 at 12:38 pm:
The quality of this piece is beautiful and untouched. Frame it and lay it beneath your glass table for all to see, but not to damage.
 
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Annie D. said...
Apr. 23, 2010 at 10:57 am:
I feel this way to.. I'm going to high school next year and totally sacred.
 
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SarbearThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. This work has been published in the Teen Ink monthly print magazine. said...
Apr. 1, 2010 at 8:38 pm:
this is really great. everyone can relate to this at sometime in their lives. i love this check out some of my work too :)
 
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krzykrys said...
Apr. 1, 2010 at 6:57 pm:
this piece was great. im not a senior, im in 8th but i understand switching schools. i switched this year i was terrified but after a few weeks i found some friends. sometimes it still hurts to look back at my old life. i find myself including me in my old school. a lot of my old best friends dont talk to me anymore. its crazy how things change.
 
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AmORe said...
Apr. 1, 2010 at 6:12 pm:
Wow good gob!(: I really enjoyed reading this.(: and good luck with finding yourself(: im in the process as well.
 
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magic-esiThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. This work has been published in the Teen Ink monthly print magazine. said...
Mar. 10, 2010 at 1:55 pm:
Although this seems like a topic many people have to deal with, this is a very well-written essay and it was interesting to read. I moved once when I was in first grade but I can understand how it would be much, much harder in senior year. Hope it's easier for you!
 
MeagaroniNCheese replied...
Mar. 15, 2010 at 3:30 pm :
Sadly enough, I didn't make it through my senior year. I quit school about a month ago :/ I did however get my GED. I start college in the fall. I know most people who read this genuinly will not understand why I quit school so close to my graduation....and the thoughts most of you are having are completely valid. But what you have to understand is that high school isn't for everyone, I out grew it's 'immaturity', so to speak, long ago. And I know that the decision I mad... (more »)
 
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writingbee said...
Mar. 10, 2010 at 7:20 am:
oh gosh, i'm sorry you had to go through that. i'm going through the same exact thing right now, i had to move for my senior year to a new high school. i hope things get better for you.
 
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GraniaThis teenager is a 'regular' and has contributed a lot of work, comments and/or forum posts, and has received many votes and high ratings over a long period of time. This work has been published in the Teen Ink monthly print magazine. said...
Feb. 16, 2010 at 11:50 am:
Hahaha, wow, I live in Maine too!
Meghan-
This is a really nice essay and I think that you might be mistakened in thinking you are just an ordinary person.
 
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way2smilie8892 said...
Jan. 3, 2010 at 3:49 pm:
i loved this essay..i understand completely how she feels...my senior year i had 2 move 2 a new school and i didn't kno even how 2 act...making friends had always came easy 2 me....but suddenly it was hard 4 me to even start a basic introduction of myself to people...i felt as if i was from another world..and no one could decipher my language and i could not compare to their mode of thinking...i even cried the first week from being so alone...i am not one to cry..so changing schools took a ... (more »)
 
MeagaroniNCheese replied...
Jan. 25, 2010 at 9:04 am :
It really makes me feel great to know people took the time out to read and comment on my article. im also really glad people can relate to my expieriences :)
 
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tennisislovee34 said...
Dec. 12, 2009 at 7:48 am:
I really like this essay! I do believe being a teenager is one of the hardest experiences someone will ever experience. It's when all the major growing up takes place. Your leaving your childhood behind, and learning how to live like an adult. Good Job =]
 
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MegSpockSlash said...
Nov. 20, 2009 at 5:38 pm:
Hey Meagan , the funny thing about this: my name is meghan , and the exact same thing happened to me o.o this year i'm in senior year, and i was forced to move away as well over the summer, leaving everything i've known and loved behind. I've made some friends and had a bit of an adjustment but it's still hard and it still hurts. life just totally turned upside down. all i can say is, you're not the only one and i appreciate you writing about it. We all feel the same and... (more »)
 
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brezec said...
Oct. 29, 2009 at 6:20 pm:
Even though I have just scratched the surface of becoming a teenager, I can relate to many of your experiences. Just like you, I moved to my new school and most of the kids there had already been friends for about four years. It was pretty difficult to find friends but eventually I found some people I could hang out with. I also agree with your view on adults understanding our problems. Sometimes adults say to be yourself and everything will be fine but most of the time it is not that simple. In... (more »)
 
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airforcebrat said...
Oct. 29, 2009 at 5:56 pm:
i liked it alot. see i have never experience that because i travel so much because of my father. So thanks so much for sharing. its my senior year and i just dont know what to write about.
 
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jesusfreak17 said...
Oct. 29, 2009 at 12:47 pm:
I know how you feel. I haven't moved yet but I will have to move this coming summer and it will be my Senior year. I have been in my town for 3 years and have alot of friends that i don't want to say good bye to. i have to move from Kansas to Maine.
 
MeagaroniNCheese replied...
Oct. 30, 2009 at 11:07 am :
Wow, thats crazy. my sophomore year I moved to maine for a while. what part?
 
jesusfreak17 replied...
Oct. 30, 2009 at 3:03 pm :
I will be living in Farmington, which is about an hour away from Augusta.
 
Hannah523 replied...
Nov. 20, 2009 at 1:03 pm :
I live in Maine too, haha small world (kinda) :P
 
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lauren.nudelman said...
Oct. 1, 2009 at 3:24 pm:
I had to move my senior year from the most amazing high school ever. It's getting better, I miss my friends like crazy but their so far away and I'm slowly making new ones. This story is so true!
 
MeagaroniNCheese replied...
Oct. 1, 2009 at 8:09 pm :
Well I'm glad things are getting better for you. Also glad to know there are other people who feel the same that I do!!!
 
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Twig92 said...
Sept. 29, 2009 at 10:32 am:
Hey Meghan i know how you feel. Life is hard espeacily when changing from one school to another.i know its going to be hard just hang in... Peace Happiness and Love
 
Meagan F. replied...
Sept. 29, 2009 at 12:47 pm :
Yeah, life is definatley not easy. I know there are people out there who are worse off than me and I really do feel badly for them. Anyways thank you for taking the time to read my work :)
 
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dariard said...
Sept. 27, 2009 at 4:50 pm:
Hi Megan, your story really touched me. It is tough to transfer your senior year. You are clearly a good writer. Could you find some kind of writing project that would involve interviewing a bunch of students? Write up their life stories? Write a piece about the different social groups at your new school? Anything that would put you into contact with a bunch of kids and help you get to know them! Not to mention letting your writing ability shine. Take the lead in starting or joining a cl... (more »)
 
Meagan F. replied...
Sept. 29, 2009 at 12:45 pm :
:) Well thanks I really appreciate the fact that you took the time to read my work and it makes me even happier to know that you enjoyed it
 
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Hillary said...
Sept. 26, 2009 at 12:15 am:
Beautiful. Well written and well said. Hang in there.
 
Meagan F. replied...
Sept. 29, 2009 at 12:45 pm :
Thank you :)
 
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