I knew I would eventually have to make important, life-altering decisions, but I really wasn’t expecting to be faced with one such question so soon.
A lot of teens have until they are 18 to make important, life-changing decisions: Where they’re going to go to college. If they’re going to go to college. When or if they’re going to leave home.
Until recently, I had been more concerned about what to wear for my first driver’s license photo (Wednesday). Now, unfortunately, I have to make one of those decisions at age 16.
I have been offered a place at the Missouri Academy next year. I would finish my high school career, my junior and senior years, at Northwest Missouri State University and graduate with a high school diploma from William Chrisman High School as well as an associates’ degree in science technology.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but I don’t know if it’s something I want to do.
Yes, it would put me ahead academically. I’d be 18 with an associates degree, but I wouldn’t be able to spend that time focusing on my writing or music.
I have put my all into band for the past five years. I will letter in band next year, but if I go I’ll never get my letter.
Is that really something I want to give up? I cherish my band memories. Do I want to miss out on two years of them?
I also just started pursuing my dream of being a professional writer. I get to write a column for The Examiner. I will be on the school newspaper staff in December.
All that, what I love, could be gone and with only one decision.
My friends are also what hold me together, through the good and bad times. I would be two hours away from them. It would be hard, but I’d get to see them every other weekend. I could do that.
But that means I would also be two hours away from my little brother. He may be 7 now but I still consider him my baby brother. Could I live with myself if I missed out on that much of his childhood?
Will I kick myself for years if I give this up and don’t go?
Or would going be a huge mistake?
I’ve been thinking and debating for a month now. I’ve changed my mind about going several times. Yes, this is a wonderful opportunity, but is it the chance I want?
Sometimes I wonder if I’m old enough, mature enough, to make this decision. I know I’m going to have to do it sooner or later. We all do. Teens like me make major decisions every day, but are we really ready.
Am I ready?
Are you ready?
I guess we’ll find out in another month.
