Coming Of Age Essay

Coming of Age: I took my steps

There are many things that edge in the borders of my mind when I hear the words coming of age. There are so many rights to passage in our lives that prove that we are responsible enough, mature enough, sensible enough, and independent enough to do the things we want and aspire.


Waking early to the bright familiar sun in my eyes, ready to take on all the obstacles the day may throw at me. Going through the same routines as any other day but packing, dressing, and anticipating for a whole different reason. I have done this many a times before, but on this day, I was afraid. Afraid of all the possible things that could go wrong, of the people, of the requirements, of the responsibility and awareness this simple act requires.

Walking the down the road I have walked so many times before, and used to all the stares, I sit on the bench waiting for my bus that will take me to another bus stop, where I walk to the next one down. This is where my dread comes, just waiting at this stop I already see many weird people, and people doing weird things. But I handle these things with the most respect I can offer by turning my head and minding my own business and wondering when my bus will come.
Where is my gosh darn bus!? These people are so creeping me out. I wish Diamond or Daijha was here with me...but noooo they HAVE to meet me there and I have to ride this dang bus all the way by myself. I can do it...it's no big deal, you've done it before Amber...yah but NOT BY MYSELF!!!
I think this to myself.
My bus comes and I board on the most crowded bus EVER!!! I find my seat put my earphones on and chill. I catch the bus all the time, with people or without them, but never this far by myself. I always felt free riding the bus, like I dont have to rely on my parents to take me places. I take pride in the fact that I am independent enough to do this. But going all the way to Waimea bay?! By myself? I think not, but I love going to the beach, and all my friends were going to meet me there, so I had to do it. While the bus is going I love people watching and I note all the places we pass and admire all Hawaii has to offer. We turn the corner, and I see the infamous Waimea rock that I have jumped so many times before. As my final stop comes into sight, i do the last thing of my right of passage, I pull the string and I get off with all the other teens and tourist who had the same idea as me. With my breadth held, I walk off and take in the blazing sun, the fresh scent of the salty sea, and the beautiful sight of WAIMEA BAY.

Even though this may seem as a simple step, and so many people do it, I felt like a whole new accomplished person. I have always liked the feeling of freedom and independence when I take the bus. But doing this by myself proved to me and my parents that I can be trusted to get there and back safely with everything still intact, and on time. You have to be responsible, you have to know what you are doing, and there has to be the trust that your parents give you. I have showed them that I can do all this, and I think it showed them that if I can handle myself so responsibly I can be trusted to go out without them worrying that I will get into trouble. Sure, I have taken advantage of this trust but I payed for my mistakes and learned from them. You have to prove yourself and take baby steps to get there, I took my steps, and it has taught me some of the most valuable lessons that I have learned today.