Being An Adult

What does it mean to be an adult? Does it mean, we have the ultimate freedom to do anything? Or, is it being an adult, you can work, get married, settle down and build a family. Ermm..I dont think the above explanations match the real meaning of being adult.

I am teaching Form 6 students. Many them are already 19 year-old this year. So I told them, I will treat you like adults and you will treat me like adult too. I told them again, give up the Form 5 habit is the only way for you to move forward in your college career.

Being an adult is all about taking responsibility. The word taking, means accepting. Responsibility is "Something for which one is responsible; a duty, obligation, or burden". The word duty itself carries a heavier tone. Even more with the word burden. It shows, nothing is easy when you take up responsibility.

Many students were bitching because they feel the teachers do not treat them like adults. If only they know, being an adult is all about taking burden and embrace the consequences for whatever action you took, they will wholeheartedly give up the right to be adult.

Students who are under my tutelage are constantly reminded about being adults by me. Some of them seem a bit hesitant to be treated that way because they think they need to be spoonfed. But my dear students, that time is over now. You are going into college life, my dear friends. No more spoonfeeding. I can't do that to you because it will defeat the whole purpose of treating you as adults. You have to be responsible on yourself.

I can only guide you on how to be adult. Me, myself is still learning on how to accepting responsibilities, sharing my burden with my loved ones and also, delegating the duty so that the burden will be lighter. In the meantime, be brave to plow through the road of becoming adult. I'm sure there must be some sweetness in it.