After 7 years: I'm no more a teen by Sandhya Pathak

 The First Day of Adulthood: A Full Circle Moment of Growth and Change:

It’s funny how time works, isn’t it? One moment you’re celebrating the final day of being 12, the last day of your childhood, and then, before you know it, you’re standing at the doorstep of adulthood, realizing that for the first time in seven years, you are no longer a teenager. As I entered my 20th year, the thought kept echoing in my mind: once again, I’m not a teenager. After seven years of growth, learning, mistakes, triumphs, and self-discovery, the chapter of “teen” has come to an end. And it feels like a profound full-circle moment.

As I stood on the cusp of my 20th birthday, something strange hit me—a feeling of completion, like I was closing a loop I didn’t even realize was open. For the first time in seven years, I was no longer a teenager. The shift was subtle, but it felt monumental.

In a way, my teenage years started with a quiet moment. Before I was 13, I had no idea what being a teenager meant. I was simply a kid, living in a world full of possibilities and simple joys. And yet, once I entered my teens, everything seemed to change—my body, my mind, my relationships, my dreams. The world around me was suddenly more complicated, and I was no longer just a kid; I was trying to figure out what it meant to grow up.

Fast forward seven years to that final day of being 19. It was strange because, in many ways, I felt like I was stepping into the unknown once more. When I was 12, I didn’t know what it would be like to be 13, or 14, or 15—and now here I was, standing on the threshold of my 20s, feeling a mix of anticipation and nostalgia.

For the past seven years, I’ve existed in this liminal space—too old to be a child, too young to be an adult. I was a teenager, but I wasn’t always sure what that meant. Teenhood was a time of contradictions. I was learning to assert myself, but also still discovering who I was. There were moments when I felt fully confident, and others when I felt lost. There were triumphs—graduating from school, making lifelong friendships—but also failures, self-doubt, and challenges that made me question everything. In short, I lived the full spectrum of emotions and experiences, all while navigating the strange and complicated transition from childhood to adulthood.

And now, as I entered my 20th year, I felt like I was stepping away from this transitional period. Unlike the day I turned 13, when I was excited about becoming a teen, this felt different. It wasn’t the thrill of a new adventure, but the quiet acceptance of what it means to let go of one chapter and step into the next. I was now an adult—no longer a teenager, but also not quite fully "grown up" either. It was as though I was returning to a place I’d left behind years ago: that feeling of being in between.

Being 12, I had no idea what my teenage years would be like, and now, at 19, I had no idea what being 20 and beyond would look like. There was an odd sense of comfort in that, knowing that no matter how much we grow, there are always moments where the future feels uncertain.

But this time, I felt more ready. I knew myself a little better, understood that growing up doesn’t always mean having all the answers. I was entering my 20s with the understanding that I had the whole world ahead of me, just as I did when I was 12. But now, I was equipped with the experiences and lessons that my teenage years gave me.

It was strange, in a beautiful way, how life comes full circle. I had gone from being a child, to being a teenager, to now, stepping into adulthood—like the cycles of time were shifting again. As I kissed my teenage years goodbye, I smiled, remembering the person I was back then and appreciating how far I’ve come.

So here I am, at the dawn of my 20s, feeling excited about the unknown, just as I did when I was 12. Life is unpredictable, and while the labels may change—from child to teen to adult—I realize that no matter what age I am, there will always be new beginnings and opportunities to grow, learn, and evolve. And that, to me, is what life is all about.

The Beginnings of Teenhood: From 12 to 13

When I turned 13, I entered the world of teenagers with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. I was no longer a child, but I wasn’t quite sure what that meant. To be honest, I had no idea what being a teenager even felt like until I started living it. I was ready for the adventure, but I was also terrified of what lay ahead. I had no map to navigate this new territory, and the world seemed like a bigger, more complicated place than I had known before.

The shift from being 12 to 13 seemed like the beginning of an entirely new phase of life. I was still holding onto the remnants of childhood, but I could feel the first subtle changes creeping in—physically, emotionally, and mentally. The teen years were meant to be a time of self-discovery and exploration, a journey from childhood to adulthood. But I didn’t know that back then. All I knew was that I was no longer a child, and there was a world of new experiences waiting for me. Some would be exciting and new, others would be confusing and difficult. But this new label of "teenager" was something I would carry with me for the next seven years.

The Roller Coaster of Teenhood: Growing Pains and Triumphs

As the years passed, I learned that the teenage years were less about a definitive set of experiences and more about a continuous process of change. There were the usual milestones—getting my first phone, experiencing my first crush, learning to drive—but then there were the quieter, more personal moments. The late-night conversations about my future, the introspective thoughts about who I wanted to be, the struggle of balancing self-esteem with societal expectations. Teenhood was messy, and I quickly realized that it wasn’t about having all the answers but about figuring things out as I went.

I also learned the value of failure. During my teenage years, I encountered many challenges that felt like personal defeats. I failed tests, I made mistakes in relationships, and I learned the hard way that not everything in life goes according to plan. But through those failures, I started to understand that growth comes from discomfort. It comes from falling down and getting back up. Teenhood was the period where I truly began to test my boundaries—physically, emotionally, mentally—and that process shaped me into who I am today.

Some of my most defining moments came during those teen years. I learned to stand up for myself, to navigate friendships, to handle rejection, to chase dreams, and to understand my own worth. And as much as I hated the uncertainties, I grew to appreciate the lessons they brought with them. By the time I hit 18 and graduated high school, I was a different person than the one who turned 13. I had changed, learned, and grown in ways I hadn’t fully understood. My teenage years had given me the tools to move into adulthood, even though I didn’t always feel ready.

The Final Day of Teenhood: Reflecting on the Transition

Now, here I am, at 19, looking back on the journey of the past seven years. As the final hours of my teenage years tick away, I realize how much I’ve changed and how much I’ve yet to learn. Being a teenager was about embracing the unknown and constantly evolving, but now, as I enter my 20s, I feel a shift in the air. The label of "teenager" no longer fits, and for the first time in years, I’m no longer in that in-between space. For the past seven years, I’ve been holding onto that strange limbo—too old to be a child, but too young to be an adult. And now, I’m stepping away from that.

The truth is, when I was 12, I had no concept of what being 13 would be like, and when I was 19, I had no idea what being 20 would look like either. It’s funny how, when you look back, everything seems to have unfolded so fast. My teenage years felt like they stretched on forever, yet here I am at 20, realizing that time moves quickly, whether you’re ready for it or not. In a way, I was just starting to feel like I was getting the hang of this "teenager" thing, and suddenly it’s over.

But instead of feeling sad or lost, I’m filled with a sense of clarity. The moment I turned 20, I didn’t feel an overwhelming sense of “now I’m an adult,” but rather, I felt like I was at the beginning of another chapter. I had learned so much in my teen years, and while I wasn’t a teenager anymore, I knew I would carry the lessons of those years into this new phase of life.

Reflecting on the Last Day of My Teenage Years

As I sat quietly on the evening of my 19th birthday, I realized something profound: I was no longer a teenager. The day itself was filled with the usual mix of celebration and love, but this time, something was different. In a few short hours, I would enter my 20th year, and once again, I'd be faced with the bittersweet reality of leaving behind a chapter of life that had been formative and filled with growth.

I was suddenly aware that I had officially closed the book on my teenage years. The excitement and energy of those adolescent years would forever remain in my past, marking the end of an era that lasted seven years. As a teen, I had experienced such a wide range of emotions—insecurities, wild ambitions, first loves, hard lessons—and every milestone along the way had shaped me into who I am today. But with the arrival of my 20th birthday, I felt a sense of finality, a shift in the air. I wasn’t a teenager anymore, and a part of me mourned that loss.

As I thought back on my teenage years, the moments that stood out weren’t just the highs—the ones everyone remembers, like first dates or that epic summer trip. It was the quiet, ordinary days that often had the most profound impact. I remember the long nights spent grappling with self-doubt and dreaming of a future that felt so far away. I recall the struggle to find my identity, to define my passions, to carve out a space for myself in the world. I also think about how, over the years, I started to understand that growth is messy, that not everything has to happen perfectly or on schedule.

Being a teenager felt like living in a constant state of flux, like I was always one step away from figuring things out. Every year felt like a new chance to reinvent myself or take on a new challenge. I embraced my quirks, learned to fail, and built up the resilience that would serve me in my adult life. But now, as I stood on the brink of my 20s, I realized that the time for trial and error was not over, but it was evolving.

I won’t lie—there’s a certain sadness that comes with leaving behind the label of “teenager.” It feels like a reminder that I’m growing up, entering a new phase of responsibility, independence, and adult decision-making. But with that sadness, there’s also excitement, a sense of possibility and freedom. I know that in my 20s, I’ll continue to shape myself into who I’m meant to be, but with more confidence, purpose, and, I hope, a clearer sense of direction.

So, as I closed my eyes on that last night of being 19, I said goodbye to my teenage years not with regret but with gratitude. I knew that the person I am today—filled with curiosity, ambition, and a little uncertainty—is a product of those seven years. They gave me the foundation I needed to embrace the future, no matter how unknown it may be.

As I woke up to the first morning of my 20s, I felt a sense of peace. The door to adolescence had closed, but I was ready to open a new one. The next seven years will be different, and I will continue to grow, learn, and evolve. But one thing is for sure: I'll carry my teenage years with me, as a reminder of where I came from and how far I've come.

A New Beginning: Embracing Adulthood

Entering my 20s feels like stepping onto a new path, but with a sense of self-assurance I didn’t have when I was 12. I’m no longer a teenager, but I still carry the experiences of those seven years with me. They’ve shaped my identity, influenced the way I see the world, and prepared me for whatever comes next.

As I think back to that younger version of myself, the 12-year-old who had no idea what her teenage years would be like, I smile. Life has a way of surprising you, of teaching you things when you least expect it. The lessons of my teenage years weren’t always easy, but they were necessary, and they helped me develop resilience, strength, and wisdom.

So, here I am at 20, stepping into adulthood with an open heart, ready to continue growing, learning, and evolving. The journey is far from over. While I may no longer be a teenager, I know there’s still so much more to discover. And with the experiences of my teen years behind me, I feel ready to take on whatever comes next, because the truth is, life is full of transitions, and every age brings its own unique challenges and rewards. Whether I’m 12, 19, or 20, I’m learning to embrace every stage of life as it comes.

The circle is complete. And I’m ready for the next adventure.

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A Note to My Adult Self

Dear Adult Me,

First of all, congratulations. You made it to this point. You’ve grown, you’ve faced challenges, and you’ve made it through each step of your journey. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but you have done things you never thought possible, and for that, you should be proud.

As an adult, life gets a bit more serious. There’s more responsibility, more decisions to make, and sometimes it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. But I want you to remember this: even when things get hard, you’re still learning. Life is a journey, and it’s okay to not have all the answers, even now. It’s okay to make mistakes. You’re still figuring things out, and that’s what makes this whole experience beautiful.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself. The hustle and grind are important, but so is rest. You deserve to slow down when you need it. And don’t lose sight of your passions, even as adult life demands your attention. Keep exploring, keep learning, and always trust that the path you’re on is exactly where you’re meant to be.

Be kind to yourself on the days you feel uncertain, because that’s part of being human. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough. Keep being the person you are, and know that you are enough just as you are.

With love, Your Teenage Self

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