Growing up today means living in a constant state of being perceived. Whether it's the pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards curated on social media or the weight of academic expectations, it's easy to feel like a "product" in development rather than a person. We are often judged by our highlight reels, while our "shitty first drafts"—the mistakes, the awkward phases, and the genuine confusion—are hidden away. Shitty First Drafts
The term "teenager" often feels like a costume I’m trying on—sometimes it fits, and other times it’s itchy and restrictive. Society loves to bundle us into neat categories: the overachiever, the rebel, the digital native. But underneath those labels is a more complicated reality of trying to figure out who I am when everyone else seems to have already decided for me. slitty teen
Drafting a "shitty first draft" (often abbreviated in writing circles as SFD) is a common Anne Lamott-inspired strategy that helps writers overcome the paralysis of the blank page by prioritizing raw output over quality. For a teenager looking to explore their identity, this process allows for an unpolished, authentic exploration of self-image, societal labels, and the transition into adulthood. Draft Essay: Navigating the In-Between Growing up today means living in a constant