Shot by Nadine Els
19 and 20. The awkward age of adulthood.
Dearest reader, glance between the lines as I illustrate these meticulous times we are living in. At this point in our lives we are chasing our tails trying to figure out who we are and what we are capable of. Like a metamorphic catapillar bursting from its cocoon, you are finally free from the pressures of high school status quo and free to feel comfortable in your own skin. With all the people your meeting after high school, you are finally surrounded by people just as crazy, talented, and crazy-tallented as you are. At 19, some work double shifts just to scrape by with money for rent and tuition. With sky high expectations and dreams out of this world, whose to tell us 'No'?.
Meanwhile, everyone is asking you the most typical questions like: What do you want to do with your life? Where do you go to school? What's your major? Blah Blah Blah... Are you figuring out your life? Are you ambitious enough? You know what they say, 'School, work, social life. Pick two'. Where is the balance?
Not too long ago, I used to believe that adults had life all figured out. After all, these independently running human beings clearly have enough knowledge of the world to put food on the table and pay the bills. Somehow, adults have figured out how to form a career, how to communicate properly with other adults, and even grow a family on the side. As a naive child, money really did seem to grow on trees and my parents seemed to know everything.
But now things are different. At a time where youth and adulthood collide, the answers do not seem as black and white. The status quo is no longer cool and the possibilities seem limitless. Opportunity is abundant to those who refuse to be satisfied and the future seems even brighter than ever for those who dare to dream.
This gap is the most pivotal time in our lives. We live in a time where an app can make millions and a mere Youtuber can actually become a self-made star overnight. How radical is that?! The gap is the time where we find ourselves moved out of the house and our friends getting engaged. The gap is the time where I want to see the world. Every day spent within the gap is a day finding yourself. Be young. Challenge yourself to do the things you never thought you could do.
Dwell in the gap for as long as you can because when it's gone, it's gone forever.
xx Ella-Kol