As the years pass by, I've begun to realize how my perception of this world, my thoughts, my emotions, and heck, even my body have changed. I've noticed how people seem to be more mischievous and deceiving. Back then, I believed that everyone couldn't lie just like Pinocchio or that people are always kind like the fairy godmother from Cinderella (yes, I was a Disney addict). But just like that, everything seemed to slowly change. I began to see the world more from Thomas Hobbes's mind.

This got me all thinking: I'm seriously growing up.

When you grow up, everything changes around you.

School.

From a child to a teenager, one's thoughts go from simple to complex. From learning alphabet letters to analyzing quotes from a complex novel. School becomes harder and more stressful. I still regret how I never cherished nap time during preschool. In fact, almost all students wish they had as well. In addition, teachers expect more from you. They grade harsher. They hand out complex homework. Also, your grades start to matter. They begin to define you especially as people are beginning to apply for colleges.

Social Life.

There's more freedom. Your life isn't on a leash anymore. Your mom doesn't need to lay out your clothes or help you take a bath anymore. You begin to have a curfew. Heck, my parents are even letting me stay at my homecoming till 10 PM. Basically extending my curfew. You also get to go out and party or eat with your friends as a social gathering without adult supervision. The feeling is blissful. I can definitely verify that.

Legally.

Everyone starts to become eligible to have a driver's license. The most thrilling experience of almost every sixteen year-old. It helps provide a sense of freedom for all us teenagers. We're thrilled to be able to finally go out alone without constantly having to work around our parents schedule in order to have a ride. It's absolutely amazing. Plus, you get to stay late at football games without having to worry about catching a ride.

Childhood.

Maybe this is just me, but I always love to reminisce about my childhood memories. From my cute childhood crushes to my cute song playlists, I always have that same tingling sensation that makes me feel warm inside. I also begin to start watching over several scenes of the old television shows I used to watch: Wizards of Waverly Place, Teletubbies, and Family Matters. It reminds me of the time when I actually had the time to wake up early in the morning just to catch the three episodes of Family Matters each week.

Insecurities.

Like how people begin to process complex thoughts, I believe it also causes insecurities. When I was little, I rarely cared about my outfits. All I was concerned about was wearing the same color as someone in my class. I didn't care if I looked chubby or not. Heck, I barely cared about my hair. The only reason why I maintained to look organized and clean during my childhood was mostly thanks to my mom. But now, I've begun to become concerned about my appearance such as whether or not this outfit looks ugly or if it goes against the dress code. In simpler terms, my daily appearance became stressful.

Overall, all I can say is that growing up is still fun. It may not have been what I pictured when I was little, but I still think that 16 is a wonderful age to be right now.