I goggled at the mirror in front of me, in my lilac gown as I made my hair. Reflecting on everything I could think about myself, this is me I muttered to myself, this same girl, different and changing from who I used to be and what I used to look like ten years ago, calculating every detail, I wanted to stay and just look at myself a little longer, but of course, there was no time. Are you ready? The photographer called, I smiled in the mirror, yes! I replied and turned back to start the photoshoot. Taking pictures is one of my favorites to do especially when it’s a special occasion like this, it is a work of art and it’s a beautiful thing when your best moments and feelings are captured with a camera.

While growing up, I had always anticipated to be grown up. I had so many dreams and fears. I and my friends would tell ourselves what we wanted when we grew up with so much confidence not knowing that life is a puzzle with many pieces to figure out, there was so much we did not know, but we were just kids the least we worried about was what to eat, play and make wishes. Life was easy with so much freedom from life’s snags, the only problem I had was the dishes I was asked to do. My childhood years were happy and stress-free.

My teenage years were different, I started to realize a little about life’s reality, and I began to have rational dreams, but with so much panic about growing older, being afraid of the unknown, and making mistakes, these years were filled with so much euphoria and phobias. My teenage years made me aware of myself, my society, God, and life, I remember asking God “why” umpteen times, during those years I thought growing was a trick. But it was not all about that, age sixteen was one of my sweetest years, I got to understand myself better, my strengths and weaknesses, potentials and interests and I met people who helped to shape my life.

A few days ago I was chatting in the room with my elder sister and she asked “Which year are you turning into this year?” “twenty” I replied, with so much ecstasy she exclaimed “Your early twenties!”. 1st July is a distinct day because I get to celebrate with people who remind me of how special I am. Far from the laughs and noises, like how I stood before the mirror, I see myself as someone who is growing, I used to be afraid but I am not anymore. Twenty-one sounds a little bit serious but I accept it with an open heart and mind. I can not thank God enough who is the giver of life. I don’t know what to call this new chapter but it is not going to be something negative. Cheers to twenty-one and more, I pray that this new year will be filled with purpose, joy, and love. May I continue to grow, learn, and shine. Amin.