Ah, to be 16. . . Much like the main character Jordan Wright in my book, 16 Isn’t Always Sweet, I couldn’t wait until I turned 16. Like most teens, I was under the impression that turning 16 would grant me the independence I craved and make me seem more mature. Still, I know others who were terrified; who wish they could’ve turned back the hands of time, and stayed young forever. Some would even argue there is nothing sweet about turning 16, however, I disagree.
I think it’s safe to say being a teenager isn’t easy, and that sometimes, the lessons we learn at 16 tend to be more bittersweet than anything. It can be a trying time juggling school, sports, and after school activities, along with peer pressure, and family issues. But, it is also a year full of exciting firsts like the first time behind the wheel or landing your first job. Some of us are even lucky enough to experience our first love. And unfortunately, most times, our first heartbreak.
But what really makes 16 so special is that it marks the beginning of our transition from carefree youngsters to responsible adults. For many of us, this is when we start to question who we really are and who we want to be. However, finding the answer to that question can prove especially difficult nowadays, when it seems like everyone has something to say about how you should look and how you should act. You have everyone telling you what you should do with your life, and at this point the only thing more fragile than your self-esteem is your dreams.
That’s why I wanted to start this blog. Most teenagers, and even some adults, are full of ambition with big dreams for the future, but they are unsure of how to achieve them or doubt they are even possible – just as I once did. So I decided to launch 16 Dreams in an effort to profile real people, whether already established or up-and-coming in their perspective industry, who are following their dreams, whatever they may be.
In each interview, you will get a glimpse of what life was like for them at 16, compared to what life is like for them now. In doing so, I hope to address some of the problems facing today’s youth, while also highlighting the joys and freedoms that come along with being young. At the same time, I hope to show my young readers that not only have these same people experienced the ups-and-downs of being 16, they managed to come out okay on the other side.
Let me be perfectly clear: this blog isn’t all about chasing fame and fortune. It’s about following your passion to success. It’s about showing people that your dreams do mean something and that with determination and resilience, it is possible to turn them into a reality because I truly believe it is just as much about the journey to the top as it is the destination.
So with all of that being said, WELCOME to my brand new blog 16 Dreams! With each entry I hope to inspire you, entertain you, and make you think.
Sweet Dreams! XOXO
Cassandra Carter
16dreams 