At 16, my three girls are living out their passions in ways that are so different from what I did at their age. Cass, for example, is completely devoted to figure skating. She skates three times a week and tells me with confidence that she’ll continue skating for as long as she can. It’s inspiring to see that kind of dedication in her, watching her glide across the ice and embrace something that brings her so much joy.
Sherilyn, at 16, was immersed in dance. She spent her days attending classes, competing in competitions, and pursuing her love for dance with that same fire she has today. The rhythm of her life was all about dance moves and choreography, and it was something that fueled her in a way only a true passion can.
Alycia, at 16, was juggling tennis, concerts, and half marathons. Her calendar was always full of things that kept her active and on the go, from hiking, outings with friends to the excitement of live concerts.
But when I think back to myself at 16, life was so different. Instead of skating or dancing, I was on my trusty racer bike, cycling to tuition centers. I can still picture myself, fearless, navigating big roads filled with traffic. I would stop my bike at traffic lights with cars surrounding me, completely unbothered by how dangerous it was. In today’s world, I’d never let my girls do that—it’s just too risky.
Once I got to the center to attend tuition for Chemistry and Add Math, I’d lug my racer bike up a flight of stairs, attend class, and then cycle to a nearby coffee shop for a bowl of my favorite curry noodles with a glass of kopi ice. After refueling, I’d brave the scorching afternoon sun and cycle back home. My afternoons were spent washing my own bathroom, taking a quick shower, and diving into homework before heading out in the evening to cycle around the neighborhood with friends.
Those were the carefree days, and as reckless as some of those moments might seem in hindsight, I loved every bit of it. There’s something so special about that sense of independence, that freedom to roam the roads and explore on my own terms. If only I could turn back the clock and go back in time, I’d cherish those moments even more. And I’d definitely right a few wrongs along the way.
Watching my girls live their passions now, I sometimes wish they could experience the simpler, wilder teenage years I had—cycling under the hot sun, camping by the seaside and in the jungle, hanging out with friends without the constant buzz of social media, and living without the pressure of what lies ahead. But times have changed, and so have the ways we navigate our teenage years. All I hope is that one day, when they look back, they’ll remember these years with as much fondness as I do mine.
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