Keileen's+Coming+of+Age

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 * Keileen's Coming of Age Essay **


 * ** I believe that a woman is someone who is nurturing and independent. She is able to care for herself and look after a family. I believe that I am in the process of becoming a woman but haven't yet crossed the line. The college process had led me to realize that I am slowly becoming more independent. My parents left most of the decisions up to me and gave me the freedom to make wise choices. However, one experience reminded me that I am still a girl. At the ILH swimming championship, I wasn't able to handle myself like an adult would in that situation. I let my emotions get the best of me and eventually broke down into tears. Through this experience I learned a lot about myself and matured mentally and emotionally.

Crossing the Line There is no clear line that defines womanhood. A woman is an adult who is empowered and independent. She should also be able to support herself as well as nurture and care for a family. I believe that everyone crosses the line at different times in his or her life. Although it is common to see women that are independent and self-supporting, womanhood also encompasses responsibility and maturity. I believe I am transitioning between being a girl and becoming a woman. There are times when I realize that I am becoming an adult, yet I am not ready to have a family, and I am not as knowledgeable as adults such as my parents. I am ready to become an adult because, if I had to, I would be able to attend college right now. I can wash clothes, clean, and I am independent enough to go to school and live on my own. My parents have instilled in me values such as integrity, honesty, and respect that will help me become a responsible woman. Attending Iolani School has required me to balance my life. I am able to set my priorities straight and juggle academics, sports, and a social life. Going through the college application process required me to learn the responsibility of being an adult. I completed everything myself and wasn’t dependent on my parents. In a way, I was forced to make my own decisions because my parents didn’t guide me or tell me what to do and what not to do. When I went on a college tour, my parents made it clear that if I wanted to go, I had to make all of the arrangements with each school on my own. I also decided what schools I was going to apply to and completed all of my applications before the deadline. Currently, I am going through the process of applying for scholarships. Realizing that I need a scholarship to attend college is a big step towards being independent and planning my future. One of my goals is to attend a college on the mainland, but this will not be possible if I do not receive scholarships. Recently, at the ILH Varsity Championship for swimming, I realized that although there are times when I am still a child, I am gradually becoming an adult. The day started off on an energetic note with all of the swimmers “pumped up” and ready to swim. I knew that I was feeling good and as ready as I would ever be. This meet was the most important one for me because it was my last chance to qualify for the HHSAA State Championship. As I stood on the block for my first event, pressure built in my body. The whistle sounded, I dove into the water, and before I knew it my race was over. Although I swam my best time, it was not enough to qualify. I thought to myself, “//It’s okay. I still have one more chance//.” Hearing my teammates cheering for me gave me even more incentive to swim fast. I looked at the scoreboard after my race to see my time, and a rush of disappointment flowed through me as I saw that I had missed the qualifying time by a few seconds. Emotionally, I pulled myself together and tried as much as possible not to have a melt-down. However, after talking to my coach about my swim, the senior girls each gave me a hug because they knew how important qualifying for States was. Immediately, I emotionally broke down and tears began to fall uncontrollably. The gravity of the situation hit me when I realized that I would not be swimming at States. As a senior, I didn’t have another year to improve or another chance to qualify. This was the last swim meet of my career. Looking back, I could still be considered a child just like all of the other crying girls who didn’t qualify. But when I got home, I realized that I had done the best I could with no regrets. By realizing that crying didn’t change the outcome of the meet, I matured mentally and emotionally. Although I didn’t reach my goal, I was proud of myself and my effort this season. Being able to accept failure and not dwell over the past is part of becoming an adult. The most important lesson is to learn from past experiences and move on. I am still a child because I haven’t experienced adulthood like my parents. I haven’t had to deal with any major consequences for my actions. As a student, I am not able to support a family because I don’t have a job. However, I am ready to become a woman because I am independent, can make wise decisions, and I know how to balance my life. Right now, I am gaining emotional and mental maturity, and I am crossing the line between being a girl and a woman. Coming of Age Essay