Eshan Maitra
Probably our craziest and most fun moments are from our teenage life. Also, probably the most stupid ones too. The most passionate stories and hobbies are developed around this age. We dare to do the very risky things. Sometimes without even thinking about the consequences. Often we remember those act bravery turned out to be as good. But if we think deeply, it all kind of feels funny or embarrassing when you are old enough. Though it felt pretty heroic to do so during that time, it feels kinda insignificant later on. Though we remember ourselves as very energetic, passionate and empathetic around that time. Also your best friends would remember that way too. But our parents or elders remember defined us as the slob, lazy and a simply rude kid. Why is that? The truth is, both parties are true. How come?
Usually teenagers are sorted, who are among years of 14-19. Though girls start the process few years early. It may sound harsh. But trust me, during this time teenagers are half-brainless. As Rainn Wilson put it once, “Teenagers are basically stupid!” Time Magazine once wrote, “Teenagers are Famously Reckless Species” Aristotle compared them as Drunk. Funny, I am throwing more reasons for teenagers to hate the adults and the world.But bear through this, if you are a raging teenager reading this. During this time of development, the Cerebral cortex almost non-present in our brain. Which provides the wisdom of differentiating right or wrong. But that also what makes Teenagers so special! They are passionate about perusing their dreams without the feeling of any hesitation. That part of the brain never stops a teenager from over working for their goals. Yes, sometimes the choices are kind of reckless or stupid. But some great outcomes or life-lessons make up for that.
Well, teenage life is the most interesting time of growth of our life. We go through the biggest changes both physically and mentally. Puberty hits, sudden body strength, social life, loads of friends, first crush etc. Everything is part of it. Teenagers are more active when awake. On the other, they tend to stay up late and wake up late in the morning too. Peer social acceptances are very much prioritized. Popularity becomes a big thing. Also the fear of rumors. Even friends become closer than the actual families. The way of feeling ‘No one understands me!’ becomes the most common thing. Everyone once in our life said this out loud that, “My friends understand me more than my family!” In a way teenagers become more selective about petty things, dares to attempt risky task for personal approval, introverted toward family member, more extroverted about outdoors and feels heavily emotional all the time. Why is that? If a teenager reading this, do not feel weird, it is not your fault. Everyone passes through this phase. It is only a part of growing up. The journey is always harder than entering through the final gate of success.
Brightest talents are even found during this age. Since, that frontal lobe is never questioning the outcome. Teenagers work passionately and take biggest risks in whatever they do. Mozart’s greatest creation were from his age of 18-19. There are many other artists and athletes too. Just look at the history of our players in Bangladesh Cricket Team. During this time of continual brain development grey matter increases vastly. Also the unused part of brain allows to use more energy in the rest of the brain parts. The increased growth rate of fatty tissues connecting the synapses also give teenagers the peak to learn faster, memorize and over-work their brain.
Achieving great genetic diversity in the social lives allows teenagers to understand emotions of their friends than others. Ironically, adults kind of lacks this ability since they start living more personal lives. Also huge availability of Testosterone, Estrogen and Progesterone hormones in the times of puberty, keeps them energetic and drives them to take emotionally charged actions. Also the hormone releases to calm ourselves in the sticky situation works opposite in the case of Teenager. This hormone, Allopregnanolone actually creates more anxiety for their unique state of brain. Causing the Teenagers to be more moody or wake up late than others.
Overall, despite of few reality checks, teenagers do thrive in making connections with the world and their social life than any stage of the life. Also the passion and love for things is greatly admired. Teenagers takes the greatest initiatives in changing the world. Jaago is one of the biggest example in our country. After all, biggest achievements never come without believing oneself strongly enough to take a bit risk in life.